A British teenager who converted to Islam and plotted to attack the Isle of Wight music festival has reportedly stabbed 10 prison officers since being incarcerated at Feltham Young Offender Institution.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was jailed for seven years after planning a terror attack at the festival when he was 15.
Since being detained at the West London facility, the youth has continued his violent behaviour, with one guard having his ear sliced off during an attack.
The teenager was originally caught by the FBI whilst planning the festival attack and later changed his target to a teacher at his special educational unit.
The teenager plotted to attack the Isle of Wight festival
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The British teenager had searched for knives, stab vests and pick-up trucks while researching security arrangements for the Isle of Wight festival in June 2022.
UK counter-terrorism police were alerted to his plans after the FBI shared information from messaging platform Discord.
Unable to secure transport for the festival attack, which attracts around 90,000 attendees, he changed his target.
The youth, who had adopted “an Islamic extremist mindset”, then planned to “slice” the throat of a teacher he believed had insulted Islam.
When arrested, he was found with a knife in his rucksack and farewell notes to his mother and grandmother, urging them to convert to Islam.
Despite being held in privileged conditions with his own cell featuring a TV, DVD player, games console and en-suite facilities, the teenager has continued his violent behaviour.
Prison guards are required to wear full riot gear when delivering food or escorting him to shower or exercise.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
When arrested, he was found with a knife in his rucksack and farewell notes to his mother and grandmother
Counter Terrorism Policing
The youth has reportedly attempted to convert fellow detainees during weekly prayer meetings.
A particularly concerning incident occurred when he approached a guard and asked if they were Muslim. Upon receiving a negative response, he stabbed the officer.
The court previously heard that since his arrest, the youth had been involved in 18 separate offences of attacking staff and using makeshift weapons.
When arrested, police seized his rucksack containing a stainless steel kitchen knife and several handwritten notes.
One note stated: “Did you think you could commit major sins such as eating pork. We see ur aggression. Stay away from the Muslims unless you want your throat sliced.”
Another note addressed to his family read: “Please know that anything which happens did not be caused by you and what you limited me from doing.”
The knife he was found carrying
Counter Terrorism Policing
Justice McGowan, during sentencing, described him as an “isolated and troubled young man who looked for the fellowship and comfort of religious faith.”
The youth was also found guilty of sharing ISIS propaganda videos titled “Ma Vengeance” and “O Disbelievers of the World.”
A prison source told The Sun: “The first attack happened in the reception area on the day he arrived at Feltham.”
“He asked a guard if he was Muslim, and when he said ‘No’, stabbed him,” the source added.
Despite his violent behaviour, the source claimed the youth “is babied and mollycoddled” and “allowed treats from the canteen, and loves Pringles.”
The Youth Custody Service responded to concerns about the attacks, stating: “All assaults on staff are taken extremely seriously.”
