Edward Little, a Muslim convert, organized a plot to kill controversial Christian preacher Hatun Tash. He arranged to buy a gun and even considered an attack on the Queen’s funeral before deciding to target Ms. Tash, who frequently debates Islam and the Quran at Speakers’ Corner.
Little was jailed for life last month, with a minimum tariff of 16 years, but on Thursday his term was increased to 24 years through a re-sentencing under Section 155 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000. The judge had the power to re-sentence due to fresh information that came to light.
Little converted to Islam while in prison after turning 18 and became radicalized. He downloaded extremist propaganda and discussed obtaining weapons in encrypted chats. Little was arrested in September 2022 while en route to buy a gun for £5,000, intending to use it to carry out an attack on Ms. Tash.
Little pleaded guilty to preparing acts of terrorism and refused to come to court for his sentencing. Three members of a crime gang who conspired to provide Little with a gun were also jailed, and Little had travelled to London with £5,000 to buy a firearm and bullets when he was arrested.
Throughout these events, Little made it clear his intention was to kill Ms. Tash, and anyone else in the area, as well as police officers or soldiers. His plan was thwarted by armed police, and he was ultimately arrested and sentenced to a longer prison term.