A 62-year-old Shropshire woman, Sarah Wilkinson, has denied a series of terrorism-related charges, including two counts of showing support for the proscribed Hamas terror group.

The defendant, of Bishop’s Castle, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today to face five charges.

The allegations stem from an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands CTU, following her initial arrest in August last year.

Wilkinson formally pleaded not guilty to all five alleged offences, which date between October 2023 and August 2024.

Charges and Denials

It is alleged that Wilkinson tweeted messages from her online account in support of Hamas, the Palestinian militant organisation proscribed in the UK as a terrorist entity since 2021.

During Monday’s hearing, Wilkinson denied the following charges:

Two offences of supporting a proscribed organisation (under Section 12 (1A) of the Terrorism Act 2006).

One charge of publishing a statement likely to encourage acts of terrorism (encouragement under Section 1 (1) of the Terrorism Act 2000).

One offence of distributing a statement likely to encourage acts of terrorism (dissemination under Section 2 (1) of the Terrorism Act 2000).

RIPA Charge

The 62-year-old also pleaded not guilty to a separate charge under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).

This charge relates to an alleged failure to comply with a notice issued under Section 49 of the Act, specifically the failure to supply her mobile phone PIN code in November 2024.

Wilkinson was formally charged on Sunday, 5 October, before her court appearance. She had previously been released on bail while detectives conducted their inquiry.

She was released on conditional bail and is set to next appear at the Old Bailey on November 14.