Teen girl labelled ‘extremist terrorist’ was victim of online sex grooming says mum
A TRAGIC teen accused of being a right-wing terrorist was a victim, her mum has said.
Rhianan Rudd, thought to have killed herself last year at 16, was groomed online from the age of 14.
She was arrested after downloading a bomb-making manual and was later charged with plotting a terror attack.
Charges were dropped in 2021 after it emerged she had been groomed and sexually exploited by a US far-right extremist, Christopher Cook.
Yesterday, Rhianan’s mum Emily Carter told the BBC: “They should have seen her as a victim rather than a terrorist.
“She should have been treated as a child that had been groomed.”
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Rhianan died at a kid’s home in Notts last year.
An inquest into her death continues this year.
Signs of suicide contemplation
These are some key signs to watch out for in not just your loved ones, but yourself, too:
- A change in routine, such as sleeping or eating less than normal
- Struggling to sleep, lacking energy or appearing particularly tired
- Drinking, smoking or using drugs more than usual
- Finding it hard to cope with everyday things
- Not wanting to do things they usually enjoy
- Becoming withdrawn from friends and family – not wanting to talk or be with people
- Appearing more tearful
- Appearing restless, agitated, nervous, irritable
- Putting themselves down in a serious or jokey way, for example 'Oh, no one loves me', or 'I'm a waste of space'
- Losing interest in their appearance, not liking or taking care of themselves or feeling they don't matter
You're not alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123