CPS News Brief

14 year old charged in connection with Australia terrorism plot

Deborah Walsh, Deputy Head of Counter Terrorism at the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

“Following an investigation by police in the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, we have today authorised charges for a 14 year old male of two offences of inciting terrorism overseas, contrary to section 59 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

“The first allegation is that, between 15 and 26 March 2015, the defendant incited another person to commit an act of terrorism, namely to carry out an attack at an ANZAC parade in Australia with the aim of killing and/or causing serious injury to people. The second allegation is that on 18 March 2015, the defendant incited another person to behead someone in Australia.

“The decision to prosecute has been taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. We have determined that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution is in the public interest.

“The defendant will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow, 24 April 2015.

"May I remind all concerned that the defendant has a right to a fair trial. It is very important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings. For these reasons, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further."

Adam Johnson charged with child sexual offences

Gerry Wareham, CPS Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North East, said:

"Following an investigation by Durham Police, I have today authorised police to charge Adam Johnson, aged 27, with four offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The offences are alleged to have been committed on one girl aged 15 at the time.

“Adam Johnson was arrested on 2 March this year.

“We have reviewed the available evidence in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and concluded that there is a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to charge Adam Johnson with one offence of meeting a child following sexual grooming, contrary to Section 15 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and three offences of sexual activity with a child, contrary to Section 9 of the Sexual Offence Act 2003. The alleged offences date from 30 December 2014 to 26 February 2015.

“Durham Police have charged the defendant accordingly and he is due to appear before Peterlee Magistrates on 20 May. 

“May I remind all concerned that the defendant has a right to a fair trial. It is very important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings. I would also remind people that the complainant in this case is entitled to lifelong anonymity under the law. For these reasons, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further."

Seven men guilty of multiple sexual offences on children

Seven men have been convicted of more than 30 child sexual abuse offences, including the rape of a child under the age of 13.

John Denham, formally known as Benjamin Harro, has been found guilty of conspiring to commit sexual assault against a child and possessing and distributing indecent images of children. Matthew Stansfield has been found guilty today of conspiring to rape a child under 13. Adam Toms, Christopher Knight, Robin Hollyson, David Harsley and Matthew Lisk all pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

The men shared indecent images and videos of children being abused, communicating via social networking forums. The victims identified so far were under the age of five at the time the offences were committed.

Greg McGill, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service Organised Crime Division, said:

“It is difficult to find the words to describe the activities of these men, and the harm that they have done. They groomed families to gain access to babies and toddlers and then streamed images of themselves sexually abusing the children live on the ‘dark net’. On one occasion, Adam Toms gave a sleeping pill to a four year old child in order to facilitate abuse alongside Christopher Knight.

“Fortunately, the CPS, NCA and Police forces were able to coordinate a swift and effective response when matters came to light which resulted in the arrest and prosecution of these men. The efforts of all resulted in guilty pleas from all involved followed by further convictions secured after a trial for other offences.

“The families of these children have endured a horrendous ordeal and I would like to thank them for their invaluable assistance in securing these convictions.

“Finally, I wish to thank the commitment and dedication of all of the investigators who were involved in this case and also the skill and commitment of the prosecution staff concerned.”

For further details, see the National Crime Agency website.