Sabtu, 03 Maret 2018

Teen who plotted 'Islamic State-inspired' terror attack at Justin Bieber concert jailed for life

A teenage terror fanatic who plotted to blow up a Justin Bieber concert in an "Islamic State-inspired" attack has been jailed for life.

Lloyd Gunton has been named for the first time after a judge allowed reporting restrictions to be lifted as he was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court.

The 17-year-old researched targets including Cardiff Castle, the Bieber concert and large shopping centres and libraries in the Welsh city.

Wales Online reports that Judge Mark Wall QC told the former A-level student: "At the time of your arrest you were within hours of committing an act of atrocity on the streets of Cardiff.

"It is not possible to estimate how many people would have been murdered or seriously injured by your actions as the attack was foiled before you could undertake it.

One of the shocking pictures created by Gunton (Image: Crown Prosecution Service)

"I am sure that you planned not just the killing of one person but rather mass murder."

During his trial and when he was convicted of five terror charges the teenager, from Llantrisant in Rhondda Cynon Taf, could not be named owing to a reporting restriction in place because of his age.

But that was lifted by a judge on Friday as Gunton, 17, was jailed over his plan to drive a car into a crowd of people in Cardiff.

Targets he researched included Cardiff Castle, the New Theatre, the Capitol shopping centre, Central Library and a Justin Bieber concert that took place in the city on June 30 last year.

After Gunton was convicted the Crown Prosecution Service issued the images he created.

One included an image of Cardiff Castle with the words 'Cardiff are you prepared' and images of the Isis flag, a dagger, a Jeep and a bomb emoji.

A second image was of a suicide bomb belt with the word 'Cardiff' added.

They were found on his Instagram account, which had the password 'Truck Attack'.

His internet history included searches for: 'ISIS beheading video', 'Isis terrorist attacks', 'Police car UK armed response', 'how to create a terror attack', 'driving a lorry into a crowd of people' and 'what does getting shot feel like'.

He also researched the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby and information on how to steal a car.

His mobile phone contained images of the truck attacks in Nice and Berlin.

The lone-wolf attacker plotted to target a concert by pop superstar Justin Bieber (Image: Visual China Group/Getty Images)

The CPS also released pictures of a rucksack, and a hammer and knife that were found inside it.

Police found the rucksack – which contained the large knife, hammer and a so-called 'martyrdom letter' – in Gunton's bedroom.

In the letter he declared that he was "a soldier of the Islamic State and I have attacked Cardiff today".

He went on to detail his plan to run down people and then attack emergency services personnel when they arrived.

In court on Friday the judge told the teenager: "I sentence you on the basis that at the time of your arrest you were within hours of committing an act of atrocity on the streets of Cardiff.

"It is clear that Cardiff was your target. In particular you had made a number of online searches in connection with a concert that was being given by Justin Bieber at the stadium in Cardiff on June 30.

"Whether you would have targeted people attending that concert or others going about their lawful business in Cardiff that night is not certain.

"It is not possible to estimate how many people would have been murdered or seriously injured by your actions, as the attack was foiled before you could undertake it.

"I am sure that you planned not just the killing of one person but rather mass murder.

"In my judgement I must pass an indeterminate sentence. Your actions show a total disregard for human life.

"I cannot foresee a time when I can be confident that your danger will have ended or decreased sufficiently to enable me to pass a determinate or extended sentence."

The teenager was also convicted of two counts of encouraging terrorism by posting extremist material on Instagram, and two charges of possessing Isis propaganda magazines.

At the start of Gunton's trial it emerged that he had written a note apparently for distribution after his death reading: "I am a soldier of the Islamic State and I have attacked Cardiff today because your government keep on bombing targets in Syria and Iraq.

Another image created by Gunton showed a bomb belt with the word Cardiff crudely superimposed (Image: Crown Prosecution Service)

"There will be more attacks in the future."

Judge Wall lifted reporting restrictions banning the media from naming Gunton after an application to the court by the Press Association.

The Crown opposed the application to lift the restrictions, but the judge ruled that it was in the public interest to identify Gunton, who is 18 in April.

Detective Superintendent Jim Hall, head of the Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit, said: "Today's sentence reflects the gravity of the offences committed by this 17-year-old youth and, I hope, will serve as a deterrent to anyone considering such actions in the future.

"This case has highlighted the ongoing concerns with young people gaining access to extremist material on the internet and how quickly that can lead to radicalisation. This individual actively sought out that material and as he became radicalised his behaviour quickly became a concern.

"We urge people to speak to a family member, teacher or us so that we can intervene at the earliest opportunity to keep the public safe. You will not get into trouble by reporting concerns.

"The reporting in this case has already indicated that this person had intended to attack a concert in Cardiff.

"Police and partner agencies will continue to work together to share information on this offender to ensure there is a robust and effective risk management plan in place for the entirety of his sentence.

"I want to remind the public to be vigilant but assure them that we work closely with venue management, local authorities, Welsh Government and many stakeholders to ensure south Wales is one of the safest areas to visit and enjoy.

"Wectu will continue to protect local communities by working with MI5, other partners and the CPS to pursue and prosecute all those who show support for illegal and extremist organisations or who seek to spread hate and terror."

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