Jack Letts, a British Muslim convert who allegedly ran off to join ISIS, ranted on Facebook about wanting to kill British soldiers, a court has heard
The parents of a Muslim convert dubbed 'Jihadi Jack' sent him money even after seeing him rant about decapitating a British soldier and taking part in a 'martyrdom operation', a court has heard.
Organic farmer John Letts, 58, and his wife Sally Lane, 56, are on trial accused of sending or trying to send sums totalling £1,723 to their son Jack even though they had every reason to believe he had joined ISIS in Syria.
The Old Bailey heard today that, months before the money was allegedly sent, Jack made extreme comments beneath a Facebook post of his old school friend Linus Doubtfire, who had completed his Commando Artillery Course in the British Army.
Letts commented: 'I would love to perform a martyrdom operation in this scene.'
The comments were spotted by his parents, who challenged him over what he had written, the court heard.
Ms Lane allegedly urged him not to be 'so stupid', saying: 'How did we bring you up to be so easily manipulated?'
He responded: 'I admit it was wrong if I seemed like I was joking. I genuinely believe attacking the British Army is a very praiseworthy action when the intention is correct. I would happily kill each and every one of Linus Unit personally.'
Botanist John Letts, 58, and book publisher Sally Lane, 56, (pictured outside court) are said to have wired £1,723 to their son Jack Letts while he was with ISIS
He continued: 'This message for you, Mum and (younger brother) Tyler, I honestly want to cut Linus head off.
'I hope he finds himself lost in Beji or Fallujah one day and sees me whilst I'm armed and I put six bullets in his head.'
His mother replied: 'I'm really hoping that your disgusting comments about cutting people's heads off are not coming from you, i.e. someone else is using your account.'
Prosecutor Alison Morgan QC said the significance of the exchange was that the defendants were never sure they were communicating directly with their son, let alone that the transfers they went on to make
