Fourth alleged ‘Beatles’ terror cell member appears in court

A man accused of being a member of the Islamic terror cell known as The Beatles has appeared in a UK court.

Aine Leslie Davis, 38, spoke briefly to confirm his name and date of birth when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday.

He was arrested at Luton Airport on Wednesday evening after being deported to England by Turkish authorities.

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Davis has been charged with possession of a firearm for terror purposes, and two charges relating to funding terrorism, after a friend allegedly tried to take €20,000 to Syria.

Aine Davis, who denies being part of the group, has been remanded in police custody and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later. Picture, Met PoliceAine Davis, who denies being part of the group, has been remanded in police custody and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later. Picture, Met Police
Aine Davis, who denies being part of the group, has been remanded in police custody and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later. Picture, Met Police

The charges relate to alleged offending in 2013 and 2014.

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Islam-convert Davis, who wore a grey long-sleeve T-shirt and grey trousers, was remanded in custody by Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring.

He did not enter any pleas to the charges and will next appear at the Old Bailey on September 2 for a pre-trial hearing.

A warrant was issued at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in January 2015 for Davis’s arrest.

He is said to have denied being part of The Beatles cell – so called because of their English accents – which tortured and beheaded western hostages in Syria.

Ringleader Mohammed Emwazi, widely known as Jihadi John, was killed in a drone strike in 2015.

Londoner Alexanda Kotey was jailed in the US in April for his part in the torture and murder of American hostages. His co-defendant, El Shafee Elsheikh, is awaiting sentence.

Davis is alleged to have asked his wife to send him money in Syria for terrorist purposes, thereby allegedly inviting her to provide funds and entering into a funding arrangement.

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A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division said: “The CPS authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Aine Leslie Junior Davis for terrorism offences in 2014, and after being deported to England by Turkish authorities, he has been arrested at Luton airport following his return to the UK.

“Mr Davis, 38, has been charged with terrorism offences and possession of a firearm for a purpose connected with terrorism.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Davis are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.”