Northumberland teenager denies terror charges
A 15-year-old boy from Northumberland has denied being part of a neo-Nazi group and planning a terrorist attack.
A 15 year old from Northumberland has denied being part of a neo-Nazi group and planning a terror attack.
The boy appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday accused of engaging in conduct in preparation for committing acts of terrorism, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
The court heard the defendant allegedly began to discuss planning a terrorist attack with an unidentified individual earlier this year.
It is alleged the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, acquired equipment and weapons including a crossbow that were purchased online in 2024 and had downloaded extremist manuals.
The boy is also charged with one count of membership of a proscribed organisation, contrary to Section 11 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The court heard he was involved with a far-right white supremacist group, which was proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the Home Office in July 2021.
At the short hearing, the boy, who attended by video link, spoke only to confirm his personal details and deny the charges.
Counter Terrorism Policing North East said the teenager was arrested as part of a pre-planned, intelligence-led operation on Thursday February 20.
"The charges that you face are too serious for the youth court to deal with," Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told the 15-year-old.
The boy was remanded into youth detention accommodation and is set to appear at the Old Bailey on March 14.