Teenager found guilty of Isle of Wight Festival terror plot

The festival is held in June and attracts around 90,000 people

A 16-year-old boy has been found guilty of plotting a terror attack after researching the Isle of Wight Festival as a potential target.

The teenager from Cowes on the Isle of Wight, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was planning to attack people he believed had insulted Islam.

He also shared terrorist publications with others, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) said.

He was found guilty of preparation of terrorist acts at Kingston Crown Court.

The jury also found him guilty of three counts of dissemination of terrorist publications and having a bladed article in a public place.

'Islamic extremist mindset'

The FBI discovered messages relating to an alleged attack that was due to take place in July 2022, the court was told.

The boy developed an "Islamic extremist mindset" in late 2021 and repeatedly researched the Isle of Wight Festival in June 2022, according to prosecutor Serena Gates.

His internet search terms included "gun Isle of Wight", "fast lorry", "how many people are going to Isle of Wigh [sic] fest", "Isle of Wight Festival gate" and "Isle of Wight Festival gate names".

Jurors were told he also discussed his plans with others online, and he received messages such as "I heard you were going to attack the festival is this true".

Terrorism officers arrested the teenager on 11 July 2022, with assistance from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, and found he was carrying a knife.

Det Ch Supt Olly Wright, Head of CTPSE, said: "There can never be satisfaction when a child so young is convicted of such serious offences.

"In this case, unfortunately we found someone who had been radicalised by Daesh propaganda into believing it was acceptable to hurt innocent people."

The boy is due to be sentenced on 15 April at Kingston Crown Court.

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