'Jihadi Jack': Parents of Brit suspected of joining Isis deny funding terror

Suspected of joining Isis: Jack Letts in Syria
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The parents of a British man who is suspected of joining Islamic State have denied claims they have been funding terrorism by sending money to their son.

Jack Letts has been labelled “Jihadi Jack” when it was reported he had become the first white Briton to join IS terrorist fighters in Syria.

The 20-year-old from Oxford left the UK in 2014 and ended up in Raqqa, a Syrian city which has been seized by Islamic extremists. It is said he is now in the Iraqi city of Fallujah.

His parents, John Letts, 55, and Sally Lane, 54, today appeared at Westminster magistrates court to deny terror charges over claims they sent £223 to their son and tried to send a further £1500.

Letts, an organic farmer and baker, and his wife are both accused of three counts of arranging the availability of property for the purpose of terrorism.

John Letts and Sally Lane 
Channel 4 News/YouTube

It is said they sent £223 in September last year, tried to send £1000 on New Year's Eve, and attempted to transfer a further £500 on January 4 this year.

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

Kathryn Selby, prosecutor, said: "This case involves repeatedly sending or attempting to send money to both Mr Letts and Ms Lane's son in Raqqa in Syria under Daesh control.

"Their son is believed to be at the very least linked to terrorists.

"They were advised by police on three occasions this was not permitted and advised of the consequences of doing so."

The couple, of Chiswell Road, Oxford, sat next to each other in the dock, speaking only to confirm their names and enter the pleas.

District Judge Emma Arbuthnot sent their case to the Old Bailey for a hearing on June 23.

Lane and Letts have been remanded in custody while Judge Arbuthnot considers whether to grant them bail.

She was due to decide this afternoon.

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