A British terrorist who plotted to shoot a Christian preacher in Hyde Park has had his appeal for a reduced sentence dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

Terror Plot Foiled

Edward Little, 23, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 16 years in December 2023 after he pleaded guilty to preparing acts of terrorism. His sentence was later increased to 24 years in January 2024.

Little was arrested in September 2022 while travelling in a taxi to buy a firearm in south London with £5,000 in cash. He had planned to assassinate Christian preacher Hatun Tash, who frequently spoke at Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park.

Prosecutors also said he had considered carrying out a mass shooting at the late Queen’s funeral in Westminster before settling on the Hyde Park attack.

Appeal Rejected

Little’s barrister, Tom Godfrey, argued in court that his client’s sentence was too severe and claimed a shorter jail term would be “more appropriate to the offending”. He also pointed out that Little had not conducted “reconnaissance” at Hyde Park and that the attack “was not a case in which multiple deaths were risked”.

However, Lord Justice William Davis, Mr Justice Griffiths, and Judge Simon Drew KC dismissed the appeal, ruling that the sentencing judge was justified in concluding that the deadly use of the gun was very likely.

Little’s Extremist Ideology

The court heard that Little, who was born in the UK, converted to Islam while serving time at Cookham Wood Young Offender Institution in Kent and later at HMP Deerbolt in County Durham.

By 2022, he had downloaded extremist propaganda, including al-Qaida’s Inspire magazine, and had claimed online that the terrorist group had “assigned him as one of their top brothers”.

Little referred to Ms Tash as an “evil witch”, and prosecutors said he also planned to target police officers and soldiers in the area.

Gun Supplier Sentenced

Three men were jailed between 10 and 13 years at Inner London Crown Court after admitting their involvement in supplying Little with a firearm. However, it was accepted that they were unaware the weapon was intended for a terror attack.

Extensive Criminal Record

Little, formerly of Brighton, has a history of violent crime, with previous convictions for grievous bodily harm (GBH), robbery, and drug dealing. He was not present at the Court of Appeal hearing.

A Threat Removed

With his appeal now dismissed, Edward Little remains behind bars, ensuring that his terror plot will never be carried out.