Teen Accused of Synagogue Plot Tells Jury He ‘Never Intended to Harm Anyone’
The Leeds Crown Court trial turns on alleged synagogue reconnaissance plus weapons and neo‑Nazi material found in a February raid.
Overview
- On Friday, the 16-year-old testified that violent writings were a coping mechanism for bullying and suicidal thoughts and said he never planned real-world harm.
- He told jurors he adopted an online persona engaging with racist and offensive content to escape isolation, saying it did not reflect his beliefs.
- Testimony paused on Thursday when he fell unwell in the witness box, with the judge sending him for medical attention before proceedings resumed.
- Jurors have been shown photos of a crossbow, knives, a gas-powered air pistol, homemade explosive components, and neo‑Nazi paraphernalia seized in February.
- He denies preparing terrorist acts, membership of The Base, and possession or publication of terror material, saying his chemical mixing was for a rocket-type firework that was never completed.