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Teenager jailed for terrorism offences

A teenager from Northumberland has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted of multiple terrorism offences.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will also serve one year on extended licence and be subject to a three-year Criminal Behaviour order.

Earlier this year, the boy was found guilty following a three-week trial at Leeds Crown Court of multiple offences including membership of a proscribed organisation, possession and distribution of terrorist publications.

In February 2025, the boy, who was then 15, was arrested as part of an intelligence-led operation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East, supported by Northumbria Police.

Officers seized his computer and mobile phone and downloaded 4.8TB of data, with a total of 253,005 messages. It was discovered that the boy was part of 25 extreme right wing online chat groups on platforms such as Telegram, Snapchat, TikTok and Wire.

The teenager told the court that he created an online persona to escape reality and his use of online platforms and social media escalated through his childhood.

Searches of his home revealed a deep-seated extreme right wing mindset. Items found included knives, crossbow, air soft rifles, body armour, masks, flags and components to make explosives.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: 鈥淲e welcome the sentence handed down today and hope it acts as a warning to all about the dangers of extreme online content which can have real life consequences.

鈥淧olice and partner agencies continue to work tirelessly to tackle the threat posed by sharing and possession of extremist content online, and through the Prevent Strategy, protect young and vulnerable people against extremism in all its forms.

鈥淚f you are worried about someone you know expressing extreme views or hatred, then please trust your instincts and ACT Early to prevent people becoming involved in terrorism. I cannot stress that enough and you will not be wasting our time.

鈥淲e want you to know that support is out there for you and those you are worried about. By contacting the ACT Early website () you can access specially trained staff who will confidentially listen to your concerns and consider the right approach to get that person the help they need before they go too far.鈥�

Chief Superintendent Kevin Waring, area commander for Northumberland, said: 鈥淲e are fortunate to live and work within such close-knit communities, and we recognise the impact cases such as this can have on us all.

鈥淲e want to reassure you that we are committed to working with our partners to keep you safe.

鈥淭his case highlights the dangers which exist online and the type of material young people can access.

鈥淚t is a reminder that we all need to be vigilant and if you do become worried about someone you know, see or hear something concerning then please come forward.

鈥淵ou can share information at gov.uk/ACT. In an emergency, call 999.鈥�