17 year old sentenced to ten years for terrorism offences

A 17 year old has been found guilty of Preparing for an Act of Terrorism for extreme right wing purposes and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.

Joe Metcalfe was sentenced for 11 offences, including one offence of Preparing an Act of Terrorism, four offences of Disseminating Terrorist Publications, one offence of Encouragement of Terrorism and one offence of Possessing a Bladed Article.

Metcalfe was arrested in June 2022 and an investigation team uncovered the preparatory steps he had made as part of his plan to commit an act of terrorism.

His digital search history also revealed his extreme right-wing mindset and that he idolised convicted international terrorists.

He was also found guilty of three offences of Rape and one offence of Controlling/Coercive Behaviour.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North-East, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley said: “We are satisfied that this individual acted in isolation and our quick response prevented this escalating further.

“We have successfully worked alongside partners to ensure that this individual has been brought to justice.

“I hope this provides yet another example of how robustly we will deal with this type of behaviour and these actions. It will not be tolerated."

Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, Nick Price said: “Although he spent time watching and sharing violent, racist, homophobic and antisemitic videos, these were not idle fantasies. He made a detailed plan to murder Muslims at a nearby mosque while disguised as an armed police officer, record the killings and escape.

“He stole his father’s car to carry out a reconnaissance mission, contacted a gun seller to try and secretly ship a weapon to the UK, and but for apprehension intended to carry out the attack.

“Despite his young age his beliefs and willingness to take violent action to propagate them are a threat to our society, and it is right that he has been sentenced today for those crimes.”

Temporary Chief Superintendent Richard Padwell of Bradford District said: “We appreciate that this case will understandably cause concern, particularly within our local Muslim communities.

“We are sincerely grateful for the continued support, patience and dignity shown by our communities throughout this process.

“Public safety remains our priority at all times and our local Neighbourhood Policing Teams will continue to be visible and available to speak with people regarding any concerns they may have."