'Jihadi Jack' parents granted bail in UK

London, June 14: The parents of a white British Muslim convert dubbed "Jihadi Jack" due to his presence in Islamic State (IS) territory in Syria were today released on bail after they were arrested on charges of terrorism offences.

Justice Saunders described John Letts, 55, and Sally Lane, 53, parents of Jack Letts, at the Old Bailey court in London as "two perfectly decent people who have ended up in custody because of the love of their child".

Jack Letts' parents were arrested earlier this year and charged with three counts of entering or becoming concerned in an arrangement to make money available, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that it may be used for terrorism.

Jack's mother was charged with two further counts of attempting to provide money or property knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect it could be used for the purpose of terrorism. John Letts and Sally Lane had been remanded in custody on Thursday after denying they provided money for suspected terrorism and have previously maintained they sent their son money to buy a new pair of glasses.

Justice Saunders warned the couple that if they breached the terms of their bail it would be "extremely unlikely" for it to be renewed.

Jack Letts, 20, is suspected of being the first white Briton to join the terror group after he left his Oxford home and travelled to Syria last year. His parents are next due to appear at the Old Bailey on June 23.

PTI