Willesden man found guilty of trying to travel to Syria to join ISIS

Woolwich Crown Court. Pcture: Google Street View (Image: Archant)

Patrick Kabele, 32, of High Road, was found guilty of the preparation of terrorist acts, namely attempting to travel to Syria contrary to section 5(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Kabele was remanded in custody and will appear at Woolwich Crown Court to be sentenced on a later date.

Woolwich Crown Court heard how Kabele was stopped at Gatwick Airport on August 20 as he attempted to board a flight to Sabiha Gokcen Airport, Istanbul, Turkey.

When he was searched officers found he had £3,000 along with numerous media devices on him, said a Met police spokesman.

He refused to answer questions about his travel plans and was reminded of his duty to answer questions under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act

The spokesman said: “When he continued to answer no comment he was arrested for wilfully failing to comply with the act.”

Three days later, counter terrorism officers took over the investigation

“Inspection of his media devices revealed his plans and on August 24 officers from the Met’s counter terrorism command attended his home and arrested him on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.

“He was charged with preparation of terrorist acts. The acts being applying for a Turkish visa, purchasing his flight ticket, attending the airport and having in his possession £3,000 cash.

“All of these preparations were done so that Kabele could travel out to fight with ISIS,” said police

Commander Dean Haydon, MPS Counter Terrorism Command said: “Kabele’s intention to join ISIS is made very clear in his own notes. Due to the good work of officers at the airport, who spotted Kabele and questioned him, as well as the investigation team who pieced the case together, we have prevented someone from travelling to fight for a terrorist group.”