A JURY was given stark detail of how rapidly and worryingly a youth had allegedly been led into the world of Islamic extremism — which included his targeting of the Isle of Wight Festival for a terrorist attack — on the opening day of a month-long trial.

The boy, 16, appeared at Kingston Crown Court, Surrey, after denying three counts of the dissemination of a terrorist publication, engaging in conduct in the preparation of terrorist acts, and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

READ MORE: Teenager planned Isle of Wight Festival terror attack, court hears

He was 15 when the alleged offences took place — uncovered in an operation between the FBI and the UK's counter-terrorism police unit.

The teenager is accused of researching terror targets for attacks, which included the Isle of Wight Festival, but the plan was ditched, said Serena Gates, prosecuting this morning (Tuesday). 

In an Instagram message, he posted: "It wasn’t practical to launch an operation there, except with a car, which I don’t have."

The youth then entered into a discussion in which he 'justified' his approach to killing, said Miss Gates.

In 2022, the Isle of Wight Festival attracted 90,000 revellers.

When warned about his offending behaviour, he said: "Even if I get caught, I’m 15. They will just tell me off and put me on some prevention course. Trust me."

The youth, who converted to Islam in 2021, is accused of sending out links from terrorist publications to others who shared his views. 

"The videos sent concerned terrorist activity, predominantly relating to Islamic State," the jury was told.

Parts of the videos contained graphic images of violence and executions, including beheadings.

The Islander, diagnosed with autism, shared videos and documents, which chiefly promoted ISIS ideology and encouraged the killing and revenge attacks of non-Muslims.

Several close to the teen at the time, described worrying developments, with concern at his increasingly homophobic and extremist views.

The youth is believed to have had a picture of Bin Laden on his phone and stated the Charlie Hebdo murders in Paris in 2015 were justified. 

Regarded as "a generally isolated figure", he no longer wanted to work with women and made homophobic remarks.

The FBI stated he also posted messages in the ‘Caliphate Revivalists' chat group — relating to an area once controlled by the Islamic State.

The trial continues.