A man in Australia who was incited to commit an act of terrorism on a national day of remembrance by a boy in Blackburn has pleaded guilty to preparing for a terrorist act.
On the morning of Thursday 30 June 2016 (local time) Sevdet Besim pleaded guilty at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Australia to engaging in acts in preparation or planning for a terrorist act.
On 25 March 2015, a then 14-year-old boy was arrested by Lancashire police in Blackburn on suspicion of threats to kill his teachers at school.
The boy’s phone was examined by police and significant amounts of extremist material were found on there, including messages between him and Besim in Australia discussing plans to ‘run a cop over’ at the Anzac Day Parade in Melbourne on 25 April 2015.
The information was shared by the North West Counter Terrorism Unit with police in Melbourne and following warrants on 18 April 2015, the then 18-year-old Besim was arrested. A search of a nearby car found a large knife underneath the driver’s seat.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced on Friday 2 October 2015 to life in a youth detention centre with a minimum of five years after being found guilty of inciting another person to commit an act of terrorism overseas.
Besim has been remanded into custody and will next appear in court in Australia on 1 August 2016 for a further hearing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Mole from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit said: “After the information was discovered on the boy’s phone, it was clear that he was encouraging another person to commit an act of terror.
“A swift investigation was launched and we, alongside the relevant authorities in the UK and Australia, acted quickly and Sevdet Besim was arrested before any lives could be put in danger.
“He has now pleaded guilty and we will await the outcome of his next court appearance.
“This investigation has been a good example of international policing work and I hope it will send a clear message that no matter where you are in the world, if you are considering getting involved in acts of terror, we will come looking for you.”
City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen
Leeds City Council to launch review on taxi vehicle condition standards
Man Named After Fatal Road Traffic Collision, Leeds Road, Bradford
Over £4,000 raised for Mental Health Charity in Bradford
Bhangra Nights
Remix Saturdays
Legal Show
The Golden Era