Life for bullied Muslim convert who planned ‘ram’ attack at Disney Store
A MUSLIM convert terrorist nicknamed “The Eagle” has been sentenced to life in prison, after a court was told how he was radicalised after being bullied at school.
Lewis Ludlow planned to slaughter at least 100 shoppers in a “ram” attack outside the Disney Store on Oxford Street in central London. He was jailed for at least 15 years at the Old Bailey.
The 27-year-old former postman researched van hire and reconnoitred tourist hotspots including Madame Tussauds and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Ludlow, who also referred to himself as “The Ghost”, told a contact in the Philippines about the plot and sent him a handwritten oath of allegiance to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil). He was attempting to leave the UK for the Philippines when he was arrested at Heathrow airport last April.
Judge Nicholas Hilliard, the Recorder of London, told him: “You were seeking to ingratiate yourself with very dangerous people indeed. I do accept you were bullied at school and you have difficulty forming relationships.
“But instead of joining a mosque and finding community there, you attached yourself to those who promoted violent extremism.”
The court was told Ludlow, of Rochester, Kent, became a radical after attending rallies of the hate preacher Anjem Choudary. Ripped-up notes found at his home detailed an attack on Oxford Street using a van to mount the pavement, noting a lack of safety barriers.
Ludlow admitted funding and preparing acts of terrorism but denied attempting to travel to join Isil. The charge was ordered to lie on file.