Woman Guilty of Terror Plot at Old Bailey
Safiyya Shaikh, 36, from Hayes, Middlesex, has admitted guilt to two serious terrorism offences at the Old Bailey today, Friday 21 February.
Detailed Terror Plans Uncovered
Shaikh pleaded guilty to preparing terrorist acts between August and October 2019. She:
- Contacted someone she believed could help make explosives
- Researched terror methods and planned an attack
- Traveled to central London and stayed in a hotel to do reconnaissance
- Targeted the hotel itself for an explosive device
- Scoped out St Paul’s Cathedral as a second bombing target
- Handed over two bags intended to hold bombs
- Prepared a pledge of allegiance to ISIS (Daesh)
Spreading Terrorist Material on Telegram
She also admitted disseminating terrorist publications via Telegram, enabling others to access extremist content and encouraging terrorism between August and October 2019.
Justice Awaits – Sentencing Set for May
Shaikh remains in custody ahead of sentencing on 11 May at the Old Bailey.
Police stress the importance of public vigilance. Thousands of reports each year help stop threats before they happen.
“If you see or hear something suspicious, trust your instincts and ACT by reporting it confidentially at https://act.campaign.gov.uk/. Reporting won’t ruin lives but could save them.”
Action Counters Terrorism.
