Birmingham, UK – A British man, who had converted to Islam and later plotted a terror attack targeting military and police locations as well as a local mosque, has been sentenced to life imprisonment. The court ruled that he must serve a minimum of 16 years before being eligible for parole.
Jason Savage, 35, from Small Heath, Birmingham, was convicted of planning to attack an Islamic cleric and other community targets. The High Court heard how Savage conducted detailed reconnaissance and expressed intentions to conduct a solo, ISIS-inspired attack, although he was not a member of the terror group.
During the trial, which concluded in January, video evidence was presented, showing the defendant filming potential escape routes and discussing logistics out loud. These videos were captured near a mosque and Islamic bookstore located in his neighborhood. Savage had manipulated the handle of a kitchen knife, preparing it for potential use in the planned attack.
His intentions came to light after he mistakenly communicated his plans to an undercover officer. Savage had been discussing possible opportunities for launching an attack, unaware that he was revealing his plans to law enforcement. Further investigations revealed that he had taken screenshots of various strategic locations, including police headquarters and military facilities in Birmingham.
The situation escalated when he proclaimed himself a “Lone Wolf” on social media and began exchanging messages with the undercover officer about meeting in “paradise” and sharing videos to be propagated to others.
In the court, prosecutors highlighted Savage’s criminal background, which began in 2002 with a conviction for arson at the age of 12 and unfolded over the years to include a series of violent and non-violent crimes. His recent activities were described as calculated and far from impulsive, with plans developed meticulously over several days.
Mrs. Justice Farbey, presiding over the case, emphasized the severity of Savage’s plotting. She acknowledged his diagnosis of emotionally unstable personality disorder and post-traumatic stress from childhood trauma but underscored the necessity of a life sentence given the seriousness of his planned offenses.
The cleric who was targeted in the planned attack is known for his vocal denunciations of terrorism and advocacy for a version of Salafism that emphasizes non-involvement in social and political activism. This approach directly conflicted with Savage’s own extremist interpretations and motivations.
Bethan David, head of the Counter Terrorism Division of the Crown Prosecution Service, commented on the case saying, “Jason Savage actively plotted to attack individuals and institutions based on his extremist views. Our continued efforts aim to prosecute those who, driven by ideology, plan violent acts.”
This sentencing marks a significant point in addressing terrorism cases within the UK, focusing on the threats posed by lone actors who are not formally affiliated with established terror groups but are inspired by their ideologies. The case is a stark reminder of the persistent threats of domestic terrorism and the critical role of intelligence and law enforcement agencies in preventing such attacks before they can be carried out.