A man who made threats to “blow up” Jewish schools shortly after uttering “I will kill you Jews” has been sentenced to five years in prison.
Tavius Jean-Charles, aged 36, targeted six victims with repeated threats over several months near synagogues. Charles specifically aimed his threats at individuals he believed to be Jewish, including making death threats and advocating for the destruction of Jewish schools.
One victim was left feeling “alarmed and concerned” after Charles suggested blowing up a Jewish school in Stoke Newington, north London. This led to Charles’ arrest, revealing that he had made the threatening statement just the day before.
Charles received his five-year sentence at Southwark Crown Court, a move praised by the Metropolitan Police for its strong stance against hate crimes. This case follows the recent stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, north London.
Det. Chief Supt. Brittany Clarke, overseeing policing in the area, stated, “Jean-Charles claimed during questioning that he held no animosity towards Jewish people. However, the evidence suggests otherwise, and I am pleased that our collaborative efforts have led to his conviction.”
Metropolitan Police’s counter-terrorism detectives are actively investigating 11 incidents targeting the Jewish and Iranian communities, including the recent attack on two Jewish men in Golders Green. To date, 35 arrests have been made in connection with these investigations, resulting in 10 individuals being charged.
Charles’ offenses occurred between October 2025 and March 2026 in the vicinity of synagogues. The offender, a resident of Hackney, east London, admitted to seven racially-aggravated public order offenses and one count of racially-aggravated criminal damage. As part of his sentencing, Charles was issued an indefinite restraining order prohibiting contact with his victims or entry into the Stamford Hill area.
