Convert encouraged terrorism

A CONVERT to Islam is facing jail for encouraging terrorism online.

Adam Wyatt, 48, pleaded guilty to 16 charges at Manchester Crown Court today.

He admitted encouraging terrorism through online postings, disseminating terrorist publications and possessing e-copies of documents useful for terrorism.

He was remanded into custody following a brief hearing and will be sentenced on April 16.

Wyatt, of Bridgewater Street, Salford, admitted nine counts of encouragement of terrorism, including postings on a Google+ account which said jihad was an ‘obligation’ for Muslims and called for prayers for the ‘mujahideen’, ie ‘holy warriors’.

He also admitted two counts of disseminating a terrorist publication.

One of them stated Britain must ‘atone for its sins in Palestine’ - and pleaded guilty to five counts of possessing a document or record useful for someone committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

The documents included the ‘Mujahideen Poisons Handbook’ and another entitled ‘Advice To Those Who Cannot Leave To Sham’ - Sham meaning Syria.

Jonathan Sandiford, prosecuting, said a further hearing must be held to determine whether Wyatt, as his defence claims, was simply ‘reckless’ in his activities.

Mr Sandiford said: “The prosecution case is that the defendant created for himself effectively a legend as a supporter of Islamic State, we therefore contend these were intentional acts.”