Teen and Young Man Admit Terror Charges in Alarming UK Radicalisation Case
Two males, one just 17, have pleaded guilty to terrorism offences in a shocking case exposing youth radicalisation in the UK. The pair’s grim online friendship fuelled extremist views linked to the terrorist group Daesh.
Met Police Crack Down on North London and Leeds Extremists
Al-Arfat Hassan, 20, from north London, and a 17-year-old from Leeds—who cannot be named due to legal reasons—were caught through a major investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command with help from Counter Terrorism Policing North East.
At the Old Bailey on Friday 10 November, Hassan admitted possessing dangerous chemicals intended for terrorism. He was previously convicted last December for gathering information useful for terror acts.
The Leeds youth, arrested at just 15, pleaded guilty to collecting Daesh propaganda and holding terror-related information under the Terrorism Act 2000.
Disturbing Evidence and Online Grooming Laid Bare
Commander Dominic Murphy said: “This case is disturbing due to the young ages of the defendants and reflects a growing trend of youth involvement in terrorist activities, often radicalised online.”
The probe started when Hassan was stopped at Heathrow Airport in February 2022. Police found extremist material on his phones, plus videos showing him with chemicals and a sword.
His teenage accomplice regularly shared violent videos and Daesh flags online before being arrested weeks later.
Sentence Due in February 2024
Initially charged with preparing terrorist acts, both men later pleaded guilty to lesser offences accepted by prosecutors. Their sentencing is set for 2 February 2024, with the court yet to be announced.
This case shines a harsh spotlight on the urgent challenge facing UK authorities: stopping radicalisation before it claims more young lives.
