Wigan man in the dock at country's top court over terrorism charges

A 21-year-old Wigan man has appeared at the Old Bailey accused of collecting extreme Islamic material.

By PA Reporter

Published 8th Apr 2020, 16:28 BST- 1 min read

Updated 8th Apr 2020, 16:30 BST

Liam Fenn, of Harrow Place, Ince, faces nine charges of possession of a document or record likely to be useful to a person preparing, or committing, an act of terrorism.

He is also charged with three counts of encouragement of acts of terrorism.

He was arrested in March after officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West executed a warrant at a property on Harrow Place, Wigan.

The defendant appeared at the Old Bailey from custody in Manchester for a preliminary hearing before Mr Justice Sweeney on Wednesday.

He spoke to confirm his identity, giving his nationality as British.

Mr Justice Sweeney set a plea and case management hearing for June 19 and a trial to start on September 28, or October 5.

The senior judge transferred the case to Manchester Crown Court to be heard by Judge Patrick Field, QC.

Following the hearing conducted with lawyers and reporters on Skype, the defendant was remanded into custody.