18-year-old Bristol woman charged with terrorism offence and attempted murder appears in court
Alina Burns faces six charges after an August incident in Bedminster; she appeared by video link at the Old Bailey and remains in custody.
An 18-year-old white British woman from Bristol has been charged with a terrorism offence and attempted murder, police said. Alina Burns, who was arrested on August 2 after a 27-year-old man suffered minor injuries in the Bedminster area, appeared before the Old Bailey in London via video link and faced six charges related to the incident on East Street, Bedminster.
She is charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts under the Terrorism Act, as well as attempting to murder Mohammed Mahmoodi and attempting to cause him grievous bodily harm. Burns also faces three charges of having an article with a blade or point without good reason, connected to the alleged possession of an axe, a scalpel and two darts on August 2. She spoke only to confirm her name and that she understood the proceedings; she was not asked to enter pleas.
Justice Cheema-Grubb told Burns that her trial would take place in March next year and that she would remain in custody. The case is listed for trial on March 9 next year, with a plea and trial preparation hearing set for January 16. A Counter Terrorism Policing South West spokesman previously described Burns's nationality as white British. The investigation into the assault began with Avon and Somerset Police before counter-terrorism investigators took over the inquiry.