A Shropshire woman has appeared in court to deny multiple charges brought by counter-terrorism police, with her trial scheduled for early 2027 at Birmingham Crown Court.
Sarah Wilkinson, aged 63 and from Bishop's Castle, Shropshire, faced seven counts during a hearing on Wednesday, June 24. She pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include two counts of encouraging terrorism by posting statements on X (formerly Twitter) in March 2024, and two counts of expressing an opinion or belief supportive of a proscribed organisation, namely Hamas.
Additional Charges and Court Proceedings
Wilkinson also denied one count of failing to comply with a Section 49 notice under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, for not supplying her mobile phone PIN in November 2024. Furthermore, she pleaded not guilty to two counts of disseminating a terrorist publication by sharing videos on her X account in May 2024.
During the 15-minute hearing, Wilkinson complained of difficulty hearing the proceedings. She sat with her hands to her ears while using a hearing loop device in the dock.
Trial Date Set for 2027
Judge Andrew Smith KC addressed Wilkinson directly, stating: "Your trial, as you know, will begin on January 4 next year. I have made a number of directions to ensure your trial will start as planned. Some will require your engagement with your lawyers on a continuous basis. You will recognise it is in your interest to co-operate with your solicitors."
The judge added that if she fails to attend her trial, it could proceed in her absence. Wilkinson was released on bail under the same conditions as before.
