‘Plot to kill Christian preacher’

A Christian preacher was the target of a would-be terrorist planning an assassination attempt at Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park, a court heard.

Edward Little, 21, allegedly planned to buy a firearm and kill a Christian preacher Hatun Tash on 23 September last year.

He was arrested on the same day after taking a taxi from his home in Brighton to London.

Little is charged with committing acts of terrorism and his indictment reads that he: ‘Within the jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court with the intention of committing acts of terrorism engaged in conduct in preparation for giving effect to that intention.

‘Namely, carrying out research into different firearms and their capability, researching the location of the planned attack, Hyde Park and researching the intended targets Hatun Tash, members of the military and the Metropolitan Police force.

The charge also claims the he was involved in cConducting online research into terrorist publications, seeking assistance from others to prepare for an attack, gathering money from others to purchase a firearm, arranging to purchase a firearm for £5,000, and travelling to purchase a firearm.’

Advocacy group Christian Concern said: ‘Hatun Tash is a well-known Christian preacher who regularly debates Islam and the Qur’an at Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park.

‘She has faced threats to her life on multiple occasions for speaking, and was attacked and stabbed on 25 July 2021 for preaching at Speakers’ Corner, suffering wounds to her face and hand.

‘Hatun, an ex-Muslim and convert to Christianity, is director of the ministry Defend Christ Critique Islam, and has witnessed many Muslims turn from faith to Christianity.’

Appearing from HMP Belmarsh over video link today wearing a grey tracksuit, Little denied the single charge of preparing to commit acts of terrorism.

Prosecutor Kathryn Selby previously told the court the allegation in the case ‘concerns a plan to carry out an attack on Hyde Park’.

Little, of Pelham Street, Brighton, will stand trial at the Old Bailey on 10 July 2023. It is estimated to last two weeks.

He remains in custody until that date.