24 Mar 2017

Teen admits Anzac Day terror plot

9:36 pm on 24 March 2017

A teenager has pleaded guilty to planning a terror attack on Anzac Day in Sydney.

People line up to pay their respects as an elderly man salutes crowd during the Anzac dawn service in Melbourne.

Security was increased at dawn services in Australia today after a 16-year-old was charged with planning a terrorist act. Photo: AFP

The boy, who was 16 at the time of his arrest last year, faces up to life in jail. Police alleged he tried to obtain a gun and bomb-making instructions.

It was the second time Australian police have intercepted a terror plot targeting the national holiday.

Anzac Day commemorates the first major battle involving Australian and New Zealand forces during World War One.

At the time of his arrest last year, the teenager had left school and started a trade apprenticeship.

"A plea has been entered and the matter is on its way to finalisation," his lawyer, Upol Amin, said on Friday, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

The case will return to the Parramatta Children's Court next month.

In 2015, a 15-year-old British boy was sentenced to life in prison for plotting to behead police officers at an Anzac Day parade in Australia.

- BBC