27 12 months previous has been sentenced to life
Author: Louise EastonPublished 1 hour in the pastLast up to date 1 hour in the past
A man from East London’s been jailed for not less than 19 years for plotting a terror assault in Britain throughout final summer season’s coronavirus lockdown.
The Old Bailey heard Sahayb Abu, who’s 27 and from Dagenham, purchased a sword, physique armour and balaclavas in preparation.
He was arrested in July after discussing weapons with an undercover officer on the Telegram messaging app.
His brother 32 year-old Muhamed Abu from south London was cleared of failing to reveal particulars concerning the plot.
Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, mentioned:
“Over a number of months, Abu sought to acquire weapons and the gear wanted to commit a terrorist assault. He is a particularly harmful particular person however because of the efforts of counter-terrorism officers and MI5, he’ll now spend a substantial time behind bars the place he poses no threat to public security.
“This is a major instance of how our officers and the safety providers are working collectively to maintain folks protected. Every day, counter-terrorism groups are figuring out and focusing on people and teams with terrorist intent.”
The police investigation began in March 2020 after considerations have been raised about Abu’s extremist mindset.
Over a number of weeks in May and June 2020, Abu made enquiries about and bought various gadgets that gave investigators trigger for additional concern – a lock knife, a ballistic vest, two balaclavas, fingerless gloves, a camo-print fisherman’s hat with face and neck cowl, and eventually a big sword which he requested to be sharpened.
East London man jailed for terror plot
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During the course of the investigation, an undercover officer met and befriended Abu on-line and so they met in individual on two events. During their conversations, Abu spoke about acquiring firearms.
Abu was arrested on 9 July throughout an armed policing operation.
His digital units have been seized and officers discovered dozens of messages, together with video and voice messages, the place Abu recited lyrics which mirrored his extremist views.
On the day of his arrest, he posted a message in a chat group saying “we want a 9/11 2.0” – referring to the terrorist assault that focused the United States on 11 September 2001.
When interviewed by police, Abu mentioned the gadgets he had bought have been for show functions and for use in parody ‘drill’ music movies.
Commander Smith added:
“This investigation passed off in the course of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our give attention to conserving the general public protected from terrorism has not wavered throughout that point.
“The latest easing of coronavirus restrictions implies that folks will begin going out extra in public – to see household and mates, to buy and to go to locations.
“The menace from terrorism has not gone away and we’d urge folks to stay vigilant and act in the event that they see something suspicious by reporting it to the police. You received’t be losing police time. The public has a key position to play in serving to the police sort out terrorism and save lives.”
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