Edward Little, a 22-year-old man who had plotted a gun attack in central London’s Hyde Park, has seen his prison sentence extended. Little’s initial plan was to target Christian preacher Hatun Tash when he travelled from Brighton to London on September 23, 2022, armed with £5,000 intended for purchasing a firearm and bullets. Police apprehended him before he could carry out the attack.

Originally, Edward Little was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 16 years on December 15. However, his sentence has now been increased to a minimum of 24 years.

Little, a Muslim convert, had previously admitted to preparing to commit acts of terrorism. His initial sentencing was conducted in his absence after he refused to attend the hearing at the Old Bailey.

This increased sentence was handed down during a hearing at the same court, conducted under Section 155 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000. This section allows judges to reconsider and potentially re-sentence individuals if fresh information or developments arise.

During his trial, the Old Bailey heard that Edward Little had initially considered targeting the late Queen’s funeral in Westminster before ultimately choosing Hatun Tash as his intended victim.

Edward Little had a history of previous convictions, totalling 14 offences across seven separate cases. These convictions included charges related to robbery, possession of a knife, and drug dealing, dating back to 2017.

Additionally, three members of a criminal gang were sentenced for conspiring to provide Little with a gun in a separate case at Inner London Crown Court. Reis Forde, 27, Caleb Wenyeve, 21, and Tyler King, also 21, received jail sentences after admitting their involvement in the plot to sell Little a firearm. It was accepted that they were unaware of Little’s intended use of the weapon for a terrorist attack.

Reis Forde was sentenced to 13 years and six months, Caleb Wenyeve received 12 years, and Tyler King was sentenced to 10 years and nine months. All three individuals pleaded guilty to conspiring to transfer a prohibited firearm.

This case underscores the severity with which authorities approach individuals involved in terror-related activities and conspiracies, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and law enforcement efforts in preventing potential threats to public safety.