A teenager from Kirkby pleaded guilty to terrorism charges after planning a copycat attack on a Taylor Swift event in Southport, inspired by the 2024 killings.
Teenager Pleads Guilty to Terrorism Charges in Merseyside
A teenager from Merseyside has pleaded guilty to terrorism charges. He planned to attack a Taylor Swift-themed event while wearing a green hoodie.
The 17-year-old, from Kirkby, cannot be named due to his age. He appeared at Liverpool Crown Court dressed in black and spoke only to enter his pleas.
Details of the Case
The teenager visited Southport, located 15 miles away, and took pictures of the area. He collected knives, researched a Taylor Swift-themed event, and downloaded an al-Qaeda manual used to produce the poison ricin.
He also looked into high school shootings and misogynist incels, considering an attack on his former school after dropping out, according to prosecutors.
He was arrested in August after calling 999 to inform police of his plans.
Charges and Sentencing
He was not charged with preparing terrorist attacks, which could lead to a life sentence. Prosecutors do not consider targeting schoolchildren and misogynistic attacks as “ideological” offences.
The teenager pleaded guilty to possessing the Improvised Munitions Handbook, the Anarchist Cookbook 2000, a ricin recipe, and the al-Qaeda training manual, downloaded between January 21 and May 6.
These offences carry a maximum sentence of 15 years for adults, but the prosecution is not alleging a “terrorist” motive, so he will receive a lesser sentence.
Prosecutor’s Statements
The teen denied making threats to kill during the 999 call. Prosecutor Adam Birkby stated that the prosecution would not pursue this charge.
Birkby added, “The evidence suggests that this young man had some ideations towards the type of incident which this city experienced in July 2024.”
He noted that it is not in the public interest to pursue the charge, given the teenager’s age and circumstances.
Judge’s Remarks and Future Proceedings
Judge Neil Flewitt KC remanded the youth in detention and ordered a pre-sentence report. He also requested a psychiatric report before sentencing in March.
The judge indicated it is “highly likely you will have to remain in custody for a longer period.”
Background Information
Like Rudakubana, the boy is believed to have autism and had dropped out of school. He was known to social services and had received treatment from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).
The teenager’s plans came to police attention when he called 999 on August 6 from his grandparents’ bathroom, while his mother and baby sister were downstairs.
He stated he was “captivated” by violence and intended to copy Axel Rudakubana, but postponed his plans due to a lack of nearby events.
Evidence Found
Police discovered a bag containing knives from his grandparents’ kitchen. His Samsung mobile phone revealed photographs taken in Southport and showed geo-location to the area on May 13.
On July 29, the anniversary of the Southport attack, he researched targets for an attack, focusing on a Taylor Swift event.
Police found poetry in his phone’s encrypted notes section, which appeared to be generated by the AI program ChatGPT. The notes referenced incels, spurgcels, and “Axelcels.”
There were also plans for a copycat attack similar to Rudakubana’s and a secondary plan to use a vehicle for an attack or to make a bomb.
Background on Rudakubana
Rudakubana was 17 when he murdered three children in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29, 2024. He wore a green hoodie and face mask and was sentenced to life in prison for murder in January last year.
He had been expelled for carrying a knife and attempted to return to his old school to launch an attack.
Summary of Charges
| Charge | Status |
|---|---|
| Terrorism Charges | Pleaded Guilty |
| Making Threats to Kill | Denied, Not Pursued |
| Preparing Terrorist Attacks | Not Charged |
