Boy, 14, started making bombs during lockdown after watching Isis propaganda, court hears

A teenage boy started trying to make bombs during the coronavirus lockdown after becoming radicalised by Isis propaganda online, a court has heard.

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was 14 when he allegedly tried to create “bottle bombs” and filmed his own videos saying he would “carry out jihad”.

Leicester Crown Court heard that the boy carried out experiments in his bedroom wardrobe at home in Eastleigh, Hampshire.

He is charged with preparing acts of terrorism after rapidly developing “extreme views” associated with Isis at the start of the year.

Prosecutor Anne Whyte QC said: “This is an unusual case and it concerns the activities of a young person who, we will be suggesting, felt isolated and angry about his personal circumstances.

”He is facing an allegation of preparing acts of terrorism.

“In summary, it is said that, even though he was young, he had developed extremist views, radical views, associated with the terrorist organisation, Islamic State. This probably happened in early 2020, so this year.”