Teenager sentenced for terrorism offences

A 17-year-old from Merseyside has been sentenced to a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order after pleading guilty to possession of terrorist material.

The boy was convicted of four counts of possession of terrorist material under Section 58 of the Terrorism Act.

The teen was arrested in August 2025 after calling 999 to warn police that he was planning to carry out a mass stabbing, and had amassed a collection of knives. He was 16 at the time.

At a preparatory hearing in January, the boy pleaded guilty to four S58 Terrorism charges, and not guilty to a charge of making threats to kill.

The court heard how the teenager developed an obsession with the perpetrator of the Southport murders, and had researched high school shootings and incels.

Counter Terrorism Policing North West’s (CTPNW) Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, said: “This case sets out a deeply disturbing scenario which has been witnessed on far too many occasions in recent years.

“In this instance, a teenager was clearly influenced by the perpetrator of one of the most horrific attacks on young people this country has witnessed.

“It is another worrying example of the impact that access to the huge volume of extreme, violent and radicalising material online can have on vulnerable young minds.

“Sadly, it is now routine for Counter Terrorism Policing to be investigating young people for this type of serious offence.  Without this intervention, the circumstances could have been much worse.

“If you do become worried about someone you know, or you see and hear something concerning then please come forward. You can share information at gov.uk/ACT. In an emergency, call 999.”

Bethan David, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Counter Terrorism Division, said: “This was a deeply concerning case involving a young person who had been drawn towards extreme and violent ideology, with the potential for very serious harm.

“Our decision to prosecute was taken after careful consideration of the evidence and the clear risk posed to the public. While the defendant’s age was a significant factor, it cannot excuse conduct that is fuelled by violent extremism and glorifies acts of mass harm.

“This case underlines the real‑world consequences of online radicalisation and the importance of early intervention. We continue to work closely with partners such as Counter Terrorism Policing to ensure that the public is protected.”