Teen, 18, ‘plotted far-right terror attack for a year & wanted to target police and drag queens’

A TEENAGER appeared in court accused of plotting far-right acts for a year targeting police and drag queens.

Luke Aaron Skelton is charged with “the intention of committing acts of terrorism” including “the composition of draft manifestos and a ‘final note’.”

Skelton, 18, is also alleged to have researched “explosive ingredients” and identified “persons and locations as potential targets”.

The offending is said to have taken place between October 1, 2020, and October 29 this year.

Skelton - who did not indicate any plea - appeared via video-link at Westminster Magistrates Court from a police station in the North East.

Dressed in dark trousers, a white shirt and a dark blue waistcoat the 18-year-old, from Washington, Sunderland, spoke quietly only to confirm his name and date of birth.

Prosecuting on behalf of the CPS Kathryn Selby told the court Skelton’s alleged targets included police officers, so-called “Muslim rape gangs” and drag queens.

The court heard how Skelton had allegedly scoped out police stations, visited areas he planned to target in person and took pictures of the areas.

The prosecution also alleged the teenager was “aware of CCTV” in the areas he had visited.

Defending Skelton Syed Ahmed said the teen was of “good character” and made an application for bail.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring denied the bail application.

The case was referred to the Central Criminal Court where Skelton will appear later this month.