THE Island's police commander has described as a tragedy how a teenage boy who planned a terrorist attack on the Isle of Wight Festival had been 'exploited' by extremist propaganda.

The Cowes 16-year-old was locked up for seven years for planning a terrorist attack and other terrorism offences in 2022. 

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Following a trial at Kingston Crown Court in February, the youth was found guilty of one count of preparing terrorist acts, three counts of dissemination of terrorist publications and one of having a bladed article in a public place. 

The teen was sentenced at the same venue this morning (Monday). 

He was arrested in July 2022 following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) after he was found to be planning to attack people he believed had insulted Islam.  

When arrested the boy was found with a knife and notes that contained information relating to his plan. 

He also shared terrorist publications with others online, the ideology of which was influenced by Daesh.  

The teenager was charged initially in July 2022, when aged 15, then charged with additional crimes in November that year.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s area commander for the Island, Supt Rob Mitchell, said: “This is a really tragic case of a boy who found himself exploited by Daesh propaganda.    

“The most vulnerable in our communities are at the greatest risk of being drawn towards terrorist activity — and potentially causing harm to themselves and others.   

“We have excellent working relationships and information sharing agreements with our partners, that allow us to quickly identify those at risk and protect people from harm.    

“Cases of this nature are rare, but this investigation has had a significant impact on people of the Isle of Wight." 

Det Ch Supt Olly Wright, the head of CTPSE, said: “We know terrorist groups use their toxic rhetoric to try to exploit vulnerable people. 

“This case was particularly concerning because a teenager had gone so far as taking active steps to prepare for an attack.

"Thanks to a swift response, we were able to stop him."    

“So, if you are worried someone you know is being drawn down a path of extremism, please do act by telling someone.”