Aine Davis, Suspected ‘Beatles’ Member, Pleads Guilty to Terrorism Offences
Aine Davis, a man previously suspected of being a member of the infamous ‘Beatles’ Islamic State cell, has pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges.
Arrest and Deportation
Originally from Hammersmith, west London, Aine Davis was arrested at Luton Airport in August last year after being deported from Turkey. In Turkey, he had been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years for his affiliation with IS. Despite initially denying the charges against him, he changed his pleas during a recent hearing at the Old Bailey, following an unsuccessful attempt to have the case dismissed.
Charges Admitted
Aine Davis has now admitted to possession of a firearm, a charge contrary to Section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2000. He also confessed to two charges related to the funding of terrorism, spanning from 2013 to 2014.
During his appearance at the Old Bailey, Aine Davis was linked via videolink from Belmarsh prison. He was seen wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit and was remanded in custody by Judge Mark Lucraft KC. His sentencing is scheduled to take place at the same court on 13 November.
Denial of ‘Beatles’ Cell Involvement
Aine Davis has been a controversial figure, having been arrested in Istanbul back in November 2015. Throughout this period, he consistently denied any involvement with the ‘Beatles’ cell, a group of men known for their British accents and infamously associated with torturing and beheading western hostages in Syria.
Fate of Other ‘Beatles’ Members
Two members of the ‘Beatles’ cell, British nationals El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey, are currently serving life sentences in US jails.
