Norwegian teenage hitman hired for UK murder by Iran-backed crime gang jailed for 20 years
Arrested before the planned killing
Natland travelled from Stavanger to the UK in March last year. Two days later, armed police arrested him at a hotel in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, before the planned murder could take place.
Police found him with two guns and live ammunition. He had also collected £2,000 in cash and was directed to a stolen Nissan fitted with false number plates for use in the killing.
Gang controller remains unknown
Natland admitted possessing firearms and ammunition. He said he had planned to shoot himself in the foot to escape the “pickle” he was in, but was found guilty of conspiracy to murder.
Judge cites messages and excitement
At a televised sentencing at Woolwich crown court in south-east London on Friday, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb imposed a 20-year detention sentence. She said Natland’s messages showed “not only participation but at points excitement” about his plans. Paul Hynes KC, defending, cited Natland’s age and said he had been a “young, popular, successful student and sportsman” before going “off the rails” after becoming addicted to drugs.
Key points
- Natland, 19, was sentenced to 20 years in detention for conspiracy to murder.
- He travelled from Norway to the UK in March last year and was arrested in Huddersfield two days later.
- Police found two guns and live ammunition; a stolen Nissan with false plates was intended for the killing.
- The identity and whereabouts of the controller known as Agent 47 remain unknown.