Teenager who ‘took her own life’ after being manipulated by extremists was spied on by MI5

A teenager suspected of committing suicide after being manipulated by extremists was spied on by MI5, an inquest has heard.

Rhianan Rudd became the youngest person to be charged with terrorism in the UK when she was arrested at the age of 15.

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The case was later dropped after the Interior Ministry ruled that she was a victim of sexual exploitation by far-right extremists.

Rhiannon is suspected of having committed suicide at the age of 16 in a children’s home, approximately 18 months after she was first detained.

A preliminary investigation judgement heard today that MI5 had “provided information” to the police during their criminal activities research.

Jesse Nicholls, representing Rhianan’s mother, said: “Rhianan was a child who died in circumstances involving an exceptional period of government intervention prior to her death.

“It appears that (MI5) were keeping an eye on her and were getting information about what steps it is then relevant and should be investigated.”

But the Chesterfield coroner was told the agency had nothing to do with Rhianan’s arrest and charge.

Rhianan, who had autismwas detained in October 2020 on charges of downloading a bomb-making manual and planning a terrorist attack.

The teenager was charged in April 2021, but the charges were dropped after evidence emerged that she had been manipulated by American extremist Christopher Cook.

Ms Nicholls said it appeared MI5 were keeping an eye on Rhianan as she was being manipulated.

But the court was told that while the agency is “considering” “mental harm”, healthproviding care and support “does not form part of her statutory duties or role”.

Neil Sheldon KC, representing the Home Office, including MI5, said: “We accept that you will examine sensitive material very carefully to see whether there is any information known about the risk of self-harm or suicide, and whether anything has been done with that information.

“We do not consider that this is a case where it is necessary to assess the content of the underlying intelligence gathered by MI5.”

A full investigation will take place on February 26 and will last three weeks.

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact the Samaritans free of charge on 116123.