Parents of 'Jihadi Jack' to stand trial next year accused of funding terrorism

'Naive': Jack Letts in Syria
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The parents of British Muslim convert "Jihadi Jack" who are accused of funding terrorism by sending money to their son in Syria will not stand trial until next year, the Old Bailey has heard.

Renowned organic farmer John Letts, 55, and his wife, book editor Sally Lane, 54, allegedly wired money to their son Jack while he was with Islamic State forces in the Syrian city of Raqqa.

They deny the charges of funding terrorism, and appeared in the dock today where Mr Justice Saunders set the trial for January 9 next year.

The couple's son attracted the nickname "Jihadi Jack" after he was revealed as the first white Briton said to have joined Islamic State.

The 20-year-old left the family home in Oxford for Kuwait in 2014, and is believed to have eventually made his way to Raqqa.

It has been reported he is now living in the Iraqi city of Fallujah going by the name Abu Mohammed, and is married to an Iraqi woman with a son called Muhammed.

His parents allegedly sent £223 to their son in September last year, and tried to send a further £1500 in transactions in December last year and on January 4.

Following their first appearance in court two weeks ago, the couple were remanded in custody.

They spent five days behind bars before Judge Saunders agreed to free them on bail.

In his ruling, he said: "The defendants have now spent some time in custody. I have no doubt that they have found that very difficult.

"I hope and believe it has brought home that to them that, however well intentioned, they cannot and must not transfer money directly or indirectly to their son without express permission of the appropriate police department."

At today's brief hearing, Letts and Lane were told to return to court on November 17 for a plea and case management hearing.

They will remain free on bail until the start of their trial, which is expected to take place in London and last up to four weeks.

The couple, from Oxford, both deny three counts of arranging the availability of property for the purpose of terrorism.

Lane also denies two charges of providing money for use in acts of terrorism in relation to the January 4 attempted transfer.

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