Two accused of terror plans on mosque and Jewish cemetery

Two men have appeared in court accused of planning a terrorist attack against Muslim and Jewish targets in Cardiff.

Rhys Edwards and Talan Vincent, both 18, are alleged to have been planning the attacks at the Madina Mosque and a Jewish cemetery in Cardiff between 1 October and 16 November.

Mr Edwards, from the Heath area of Cardiff and Mr Vincent from the Whitchurch area of the city have both been charged with preparation of acts of terrorism.

Both defendants, who appeared via video-link from HMP Thameside, indicated during the hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday that they would be pleading not guilty.

Prosecutor Christopher Hewertson said the defendants allegedly researched acquiring an AR15 automatic weapon and wanted to acquire sophisticated 3D printing equipment to potentially print gun parts.

The court heard they are accused of planning to reverse a van with false number plates up to the doors of the Madina Mosque so that no-one could escape before opening fire with automatic weapons, before allegedly planning how they would escape the scene.

It is alleged they also discussed loading a van with 1,000kg (about 157st) of ammonium nitrate explosive and how they would acquire such an amount without arousing suspicion.

The pair had been in dialogue using an app called Discord, the court heard. It is alleged Mr Edwards discussed his intention to kill Jewish people and Muslims and made claims about the "superiority of his own race".

Mr Vincent is accused of researching software security for the attacks, while the defendants are alleged to have sourced aerial photos of attack locations, including the Jewish cemetery near Roath Park as well as a synagogue in the city.

The judge was told that both defendants would indicate not guilty pleas based on a lack of intent to carry out acts of terrorism, while a representative for Mr Edwards said some of his comments on Discord were nothing more than "rage-baiting".

A provisional trial date has been set for February 2027.