More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
By Joe Morgan
A Snodland teenager accused of owning video of the mosque terrorism shootings in New Zealand could face jail if convicted, a court heard today.
George Fowle did not indicate a plea after being charged with two counts of possessing certain information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.
The 19-year-old, of Lucas Road, was arrested on June 18 last year at London Heathrow Airport.
If found guilty of the Terrorism Act, he may face at least three years imprisonment.
Prosecutor James Cable said: “The culpability, the Crown suggests, would be category B as there is material set out within the prosecution case that talks about the mindset.
“The material is of a terrorist ideology which is extremely right-wing.
“There is matters such as video of attacks of Christchurch in New Zealand.
“The Crown suggests the culpability level is B and, in relation to harm, the Crown suggests it would fall into category three.
“The sentencing guidelines, while a little out of date, has a starting category of three years.”
Paul Cantrill, defending, said there would be no indication of a plea at Westminster Magistrates Court today.
He requested a nine hour curfew as part of Fowle’s bail conditions so if he does go to prison, he will be granted a half day off his sentence for every day he spent on curfew.
"The material is of a terrorist ideology which is extremely right-wing..." - Prosecutor James Cable
Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot said: “You will next appear on February 7 at 9.30am at the Old Bailey.
“You are subject to bail conditions, which are you must live at your address in Lucas Road, Snodland in Kent.
“You will be subject to a curfew between 9pm and 6am. You have also surrendered your passport and must not be in possession of any travel documents.
“If you break these bail conditions, you will be arrested and kept in custody.
“If you fail to appear at the Central Criminal Court, the trial is likely to go ahead whether you are there or not.”
Lady Arbuthnot noted that Fowle may have to appear by video link if the assigned judge at the Old Bailey has not returned from Liverpool.
Fowle, who wore a blue suit and green striped tie, only spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the 10-minute hearing.
The terror attacks in March last year left 51 dead and dozens more injured.
