A man has pleaded guilty to attempting to kill a renowned Christian preacher in Hyde Park.
Edward Little, 21, had previously denied his intentions to commit acts of terrorism but, during a trial at London’s Old Bailey, he changed his plea, admitting to the offence.
The Brighton man had planned to buy a gun on his way to London, in order to kill Hatun Tash and her accompanying camera crew.
During his taxi journey to the capital, on 23rd September 2022, police pulled Little over and found the thousands of pounds in cash. He was then arrested.
Tash, who suffered wounds to her face and hand following a separate, knife-related attack two years ago, regularly preaches at Hyde Park on issues linked to Islam.
According to the prosecution, Little refused to answer questions in police interviews but became violent when shown an image of Tash.
Lawyers also claim he researched multiple potential targets, including military figures and members of the Metropolitan Police. However, Little has only admitted to planning an offence against Tash.
Five days after his arrest, he was sentenced to 40 weeks in prison for assaulting a member of Newbury Police.
Little has been remanded in custody until July 21.
Tash was previously awarded £10,000 and offered an apology from the Metropolitan Police after being arrested and detained twice, whilst trying to warn the force of the ongoing threats she was facing.
