30 March 2023 , 22:14
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A teenager has been found guilty of a terror offence over a foiled plot to attack a mosque.
The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had stolen his father's Lexus and had planned to target Muslims at a nearby place of worship in Keighley, West Yorkshire, before crashing the vehicle on a trip to scout it out.
Leeds Crown court heard the youth had "idolised" terrorist Brenton Tarrant who shot dead 51 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2019.
Prosecutors told the court how the boy, who was 15 at the time of his arrest, held extreme right-wing views and had shown support for international terrorists such as Tarrant.
Drawings compiled in a homemade manifesto recovered from the teen's house and presented to the jury during his three-week trial showed a stickman surrounded by a swastika and an SS symbol, as well as the names of some of recent killers.
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Drawings made by the teenager showed far-right symbols (PA)The Counter-terrorism Policing unit for the North East (CPT NE) said the teenager had planned to carry out an attack last summer.
He was found guilty of one offence of preparing acts of terrorism on Thursday after a three-week-long trial.
He had already admitted five other terrorism offences and possessing a bladed article.
The teenager will be sentenced at a date to be fixed.
Brenton Tarrant (JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of CPT NE, said: "Today's verdict follows a thorough and comprehensive investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East.
"We are satisfied this individual acted in isolation and responded swiftly to prevent this escalating further.
"We'd like to reassure the public that there is no specific or increased threat to local communities as a result of this case."
Mr Dunkerley said: "It can be hard to know what to do and who to turn to when a person you know is voicing concerning opinions.
"Maybe they are showing anger towards a particular group of people or an obsessive desire for 'something to be done'.
The court heard how the teenager 'idolised' the Christchurch shooter (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)"We want you to know that support is out there both for you and those you are worried about."
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Chief Superintendent Rob McCoubrey, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "We recognise that the details of this case will cause understandable concern, particularly for those from our Muslim communities.
"Officers from our Neighbourhood Policing Teams will continue to be visible locally and will be on hand to speak to people regarding any concerns they may have.
"We work closely with Counter Terrorism Policing North East and our partners to act on any information that indicates a potential threat to our communities."