Boy charged with terror offences after violent threats

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with multiple terrorism offenses for allegedly posting extremist threats of violence online.

The Australian Federal Police said in a statement on Wednesday morning that police first arrested the boy in December and charged him with weapons-related offenses after the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team received reports that someone was making violent threats online.

During a search of the boy’s home in Sydney’s inner west, police allegedly found a knife and a gel blaster, charging him with possessing an unauthorized gun and possessing a prohibited weapon.

Many electronic devices were also seized.

While the devices were investigated, the teenager appeared in court and was eventually released on bail on weapons charges.

It was claimed that the examination of the devices revealed documents containing violent extremist material and information that could help carry out the terrorist attack.

“It will be alleged that the teenager had a mixed ideology and was preparing plans for acts of violence,” AFP said.

On Tuesday, the boy was charged with five terrorism offences, including collecting and preparing documents to facilitate a terrorist act.

Weapons charges carry a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison, while the most serious terrorism charges carry a maximum sentence of 15 years behind bars.

The teenager is expected to appear in juvenile court on Wednesday.