Asda Hyson Green worker convicted of plotting to fight for terror group

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Counsell was on the verge of flying out to join the group when he was arrested.

A supermarket worker from Nottingham has been found guilty of planning to fight with a terror group in the Philippines.

A jury at Woolwich Crown Court found Ryan Counsell, of Russell Road, Forest Fields, guilty of possessing documents containing terrorist information and engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts.

The former Asda Hyson Green employee had been planning to travel to join Abu Sayyaf, linked to Islamic State.

He was arrested at Stansted Airport in July last year while waiting for a flight to Eindhoven in Holland.

Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson, part of the North East Counter Terrorism Unit, which arrested Counsell, said: “We welcome today’s verdict which sends out a strong message to anyone considering engaging in terrorist activity.

“The evidence shows that in May 2016 Counsell was clearly demonstrating a growing interest in terrorism. This developed at a rapid pace and at the time of his arrest in July, Counsell had worryingly taken great steps towards preparing to travel to the Philippines in order to join and fight with a terrorist organisation.

“Counsell’s plans were brought to an abrupt end before he could put them into practice.

“We were able to intervene early on this occasion and prevent Counsell from travelling. This intervention may well have saved lives, including Counsell’s own.

“We would continue to appeal to anyone who may have knowledge of people with similar intentions to help us prevent tragedies, by contacting police or our partner agencies as a matter of urgency.”

 

 

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