Teenager denies planning mosque attacks in Sutton
A 14-year-old boy pleaded not guilty to preparing terrorist acts and racially aggravated damage at the Old Bailey.
Incident → evidence → outcomeA 14-year-old boy has denied planning an extreme right-wing attack on two mosques in Sutton, south London. The teenager appeared at the Old Bailey on November 6 and pleaded not guilty to preparing terrorist acts. He also denies a charge of causing racially aggravated damage.
The prosecution alleges that between July 9 and the date of his arrest, the defendant identified targets, conducted reconnaissance, identified a weapon, and collected instructional material in preparation for acts of terrorism. These alleged preparations were aimed at killing people at mosques in Sutton. The court heard that the racially aggravated damage charge relates to the breaking of a car window on or before June 20. It is alleged this act was motivated by hostility towards the car's owner based on their membership of a racial group, specifically black people.
Trial and Remand
A 12-day trial is expected to take place at Kingston Crown Court starting April 12, 2027, before a High Court judge. A further preparatory hearing has been scheduled for February 26, 2027. The defendant has been remanded back into youth detention.
Questions this report answers
01What charges does the 14-year-old boy face?
The 14-year-old boy faces two charges. He denies preparing terrorist acts, which allegedly involved identifying targets for attacks on two mosques in Sutton. He also denies causing racially aggravated damage by breaking a car window, allegedly motivated by hostility towards black people.
02When and where will the trial take place?
A 12-day trial is scheduled to begin at Kingston Crown Court on April 12, 2027. A preparatory hearing is set for February 26, 2027. The defendant has been remanded into youth detention.
03What was the alleged racially aggravated damage?
The charge of racially aggravated damage relates to the alleged breaking of a car window on or before June 20. The prosecution claims this act was motivated by hostility towards the car's owner based on their membership of a racial group, specifically black people.
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