Teenager Convicted of Encouraging Terrorism Online

A jury at the Old Bailey has found that Joseph Cope, a teenager from Borehamwood, created an online repository of extreme right-wing content. Cope, who was 16 and 17 at the time of the alleged offences, used social media platforms to encourage terrorism. He published posts and images on a Telegram channel named Serano’s Division and uploaded documents to another channel called the Great Library Of Thule.

Nature of the Material

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The material disseminated by Cope included documents detailing how to cause mass public disorder and inciting violence against racial groups. Prosecutor Dan Pawson-Pounds informed the jury that by linking to the Great Library Of Thule, Cope was providing a means for others to access these documents. Hundreds of similar documents, potentially useful for committing or preparing acts of terrorism, were discovered on Cope’s computer.

Arrest and Trial Proceedings

Cope was arrested at his home in Borehamwood in June 2022. During a search of his bedroom, police confiscated several extreme far-right books and a black snood associated with such ideologies. Cope was charged with multiple offences, including encouraging terrorism and disseminating terrorist publications. Although his mental health has reportedly deteriorated since the alleged offences, the jury found that he did commit the acts he was accused of after deliberating for just over an hour. A hearing is scheduled for 17 April to determine the appropriate supervision order for the case.

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