A teenage boy who planned a "massacre" at an ANZAC Day parade in Australia has been given a life sentence and told he must serve at least five years in custody.
The Islamic State supporter, described as highly intelligent but "abusive and aggressive" to his teachers, pretended to be an adult online, despite being just 14, so he could influence like-minded people across the world.
The boy pleaded guilty in July to inciting alleged jihadist Sevdet Besim to behead police officers at an ANZAC Day remembrance parade in Melbourne, Australia, this year. Besim is awaiting trial next year.
Over the course of nine days in March, the boy, described as Britain's youngest terrorist, played the role of "organiser and adviser" to Besim.
He encouraged him to behead police officers during the event, which sees Australia and New Zealand commemorate the Gallipoli landings and service in war.
The teenager, from Blackburn, Lancashire, exchanged more than 3,000 encrypted mobile messages with Besim, 18, before Australian and British officials intervened to thwart the plot.
At Manchester Crown Court, Mr Justice Saunders told the youngster, now 15, he would not be released until he is considered not to be dangerous.
The judge praised police in both countries, adding: "Had the authorities not intervened, (the defendant) would have continued to play his part hoping and intending that the outcome would be the deaths of a number of people.
"The revelation in this case that someone of only 14 could have become so radicalised that he was prepared to carry out this role intending and wishing that people should die is chilling."
Head of the North West Counter Terrorism Unit Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Mole said that the boy was known to authorities in Lancashire because of "radicalisation and behavioural problems" but it was only when he threatened openly to behead teachers at his school that police arrested him on suspicion of threats to kill.
When police checked his phone, internet searches and other media devices, they found extreme radicalisation magazines and evidence he had been encouraging another person to commit terrorism.
It was obvious ANZAC Day was to be the target, Mr Mole said, but officers had to create a programme to read the boy's encrypted messages and get the details to prevent death and injury.
"People will be understandably be shocked by the age of the boy however this should not detract from the horror of what he was planning. It is also a clear message that you will face prosecution, no matter how old you are."
Because of his age, the boy is not to be named publicly - an order only a judge can overturn. But Mr Justice Saunders said naming this boy would see some circles "glorif(ying him) for what he has done" and would have only "a limited deterrent".
The judge added: "Rehabilitation into society is central to his welfare. He is making what appears to be good progress in the detention centre where he is at the moment and I hope he will continue to be.
"Those who have care of him there and other experts are of the opinion that (the defendant's) rehabilitation will be made less likely or more protracted if he is identified."
Speaking on behalf of the teenager's family, solicitor Daniel King said: "The family were shocked and devastated when he was arrested as, until that point, they were completely unaware of his activities. They are, of course, relieved that no-one was injured as a consequence of his behaviour."
(Sky News)
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