CPS News Brief

15 year old jailed for part in international terror plot

A 15 year old boy from Blackburn has today been sentenced to detention for life for his part in a plan to attack ANZAC Day memorial celebrations in Melbourne.

The court heard that the boy had sent over 3000 messages to a fellow plotter in Australia and that they had discussed a plan to kill police officers.

The plot was foiled following arrests in both the UK and Australia before any attack could be carried out.

Sue Hemming, Head of Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division at said: “It is clear from cases such as this one that those who have been radicalised do not have to leave the UK in order to pose a threat to the public and the wider world.

“The plan to attack during the national day of mourning for the military dead of Australia and New Zealand was hatched by these individuals on different sides of the world and it was shocking in its brutality and scope.

“It is vital that we bring the full force of the law to bear on those who would seek to radicalise others or assist in preparation of acts of terror, regardless of where they or their targets are in the world.”

Additional Information

Australia and New Zealand Army Corps Day (ANZAC Day) takes place every 25 April and commemorates all those from the armed forces of Australia and New Zealand who have died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Mazher Mahmood and Alan Smith charged with conspiring to pervert the course of justice

Nick Vamos, Deputy Head of Special Crime at CPS, said: “The CPS has today, Tuesday 29 September, charged Mazher Mahmood and Alan Smith with conspiring to pervert the course of justice after a full file of evidence was submitted by the Metropolitan Police on 5 June this year.

“After carefully considering all of the evidence the CPS has decided that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to charge both men.  This decision comes after it was alleged that Mr Smith agreed with Mr Mahmood to change his statement to police as part of a trial in July 2014, and that Mr Mahmood then misled the court. 

"Mazher Mahmood and Alan Smith will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 30 October.

"May I remind all concerned that both Mr Mahmood and Mr Smith have a right to a fair trial. It is extremely 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 any further comment."

Mazher Mahmood and Alan Smith charged with conspiring to pervert the course of justice

Nick Vamos, Deputy Head of Special Crime at CPS, said: “The CPS has today, Tuesday 29 September, charged Mazher Mahmood and Alan Smith with conspiring to pervert the course of justice after a full file of evidence was submitted by the Metropolitan Police on 5 June this year.

“After carefully considering all of the evidence the CPS has decided that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to charge both men.  This decision comes after it was alleged that Mr Smith agreed with Mr Mahmood to change his statement to police as part of a trial in July 2014, and that Mr Mahmood then misled the court. 

"Mazher Mahmood and Alan Smith will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 30 October.

"May I remind all concerned that both Mr Mahmood and Mr Smith have a right to a fair trial. It is extremely 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 any further comment."

Child sex abusers sentenced at Norwich Crown Court

One woman and two men convicted of prolonged sexual and physical abuse of children have been sentenced today.

Marie Black, Jason Adams and Michael Rogers were convicted in August 2015 at Norwich Crown Court of 44 charges.

Black, who faced 26 charges including conspiracy to rape, sexual assault and child cruelty, was convicted of 23 charges. Also convicted were Jason Adams, who was found guilty of seven counts including sexual assault, rape and engaging in sexual activity, and Michael Rogers who was convicted on all 14 charges including child cruelty, rape, and conspiracy to rape.

Head of the Complex Casework Unit for the CPS in the East of England, Nigel Pilkington said: “Cases involving allegations against children are among the most challenging that we deal with and as prosecutors we are aware of how traumatic it can be for child victims and witnesses to give evidence about such events.

“We arranged for the children to give evidence during the trial by video link and the court agreed with our request that the children be given plenty of breaks whilst giving evidence and being cross-examined. We would like to pay tribute to the victims in this case for their courage in coming forward to the authorities and assisting the prosecution.

"The court heard details from the prosecution of the acts carried out by these convicted defendants against five children over a five year period. The jury have listened to some very distressing accounts of what these young children suffered and had to consider each charge against the defendants. We would like to thank them for their diligence in this case.

“The sentences handed down today show how seriously child abuse offences are taken by the courts and also sends out the strong message that the courts will look to protect vulnerable victims against those who prey on them for their own sexual gratification.”

 

Background

Sentencing details

Marie Black: life imprisonment

Jason Adams: 24 years imprisonment

Michael Rogers: 24 years imprisonment

Carol Stadler, who was found guilty of actual bodily harm, was also sentenced today to six months imprisonment