A British teenager is to go on trial to face a charge of plotting to carry out a terrorist attack at the Isle of Wight music festival.
The boy, 15, has been charged under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
He is from Cowes, a town on the Isle of Wight, off the southern coast of England. He is accused of supporting ISIS.
The island hosted the festival between June 16 and 19. About 90,000 people attended this year and featured acts including Lewis Capaldi and Kasabian.
The boy is said to have researched the festival, as well as firearms, vehicles and a stab-proof vest.
He is alleged to have obtained a knife and written notes, including one titled “To My Family”.
He had a knife in his rucksack when he was arrested by counter-terrorism police on July 11.
Officers received a tip-off from the FBI that he was planning to attack a non-believer who he thought insulted Islam.
He was charged on July 17 and made his first appearance at the Old Bailey court in London by video link on Thursday, when he confirmed his identity.
He was represented by Rossano Scamardella, who Mr Justice Sweeney thanked for attending despite defence lawyers in the UK going on strike.
“The court would like to thank Mr Scamardella QC for representing the defendant for the best possible reasons – given his age and the potential injustice that may have arisen were he unrepresented," Mr Justice Sweeney said.
A three-week trial will begin on April 18 next year at Winchester Crown Court.
A plea hearing will take place on November 4, he said.
The boy was further remanded in custody.
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine.
Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.
Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
Begin your cryptocurrency journey here.
Available at Magrudy’s , Dh104
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Fight Night
FIGHT NIGHT
Four title fights:
Amir Khan v Billy Dib - WBC International title
Hughie Fury v Samuel Peter - Heavyweight co-main event
Dave Penalosa v Lerato Dlamini - WBC Silver title
Prince Patel v Michell Banquiz - IBO World title
Six undercard bouts:
Michael Hennessy Jr v Abdul Julaidan Fatah
Amandeep Singh v Shakhobidin Zoirov
Zuhayr Al Qahtani v Farhad Hazratzada
Lolito Sonsona v Isack Junior
Rodrigo Caraballo v Sajid Abid
Ali Kiydin v Hemi Ahio
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
HAJJAN
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The biog
Age: 59
From: Giza Governorate, Egypt
Family: A daughter, two sons and wife
Favourite tree: Ghaf
Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense
Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”