Planned terror attacks on national infrastructure lead to conviction

Appearing at Birmingham Crown Court, Lewin has been found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) proved that Lewin engaged in reconnaissance of proposed targets to attack, even visiting them a few weeks before he was arrested. His main targets were major communications infrastructure.

In a handwritten notebook, Lewin wrote a target list: ‘Media, Transport, Infrastructure, Power, Comms, Roads and Rail.’

Lewin drafted a document that was recovered from his laptop, which he referred to as the ‘Civilian Resistance Operations Manual’, and in which he encouraged the reader to join his cause and commit attacks stating. “For now, there are several things that we can collectively do to cause significant damage to the country and send a message that we are serious in our mission.”

Military-style equipment

During the investigation process it was found that Lewin had collected a large amount of military-style equipment and tools and was also in possession of three air rifles.

In July last year, Lewin joined a Telegram Group where he wrote: “We are at war people. Make no mistake. Peaceful marching has not – and will not – do anything. You have to choose a better strategy. I have one that I think will work, but it involves staying out in the wild for a few days at a time.”

In this Telegram Group, Lewin sought others to join him in an attack on national infrastructure, and even started digging ‘hide-outs’ in the woodlands for them. He explained to the Telegram group that this was to escape detection, and particularly so in the event that a helicopter was deployed by the police with infrared cameras following his attack.

Before his arrest, Lewin visited the Bardon Hill transmitter communications mast at night, duly taking a series of videos of the location and the manhole covers under which fibre communications equipment are held. He visited the communications masts at Markfield Hill and Copt Oak, taking a series of images of the locations. The CPS proved in court that Lewin’s reconnaissance was to help him further plan his terror attacks.

Overthrow the Government

Nick Price, head of the CPS’ Special Crime and Counter-Terrorism Division, explained: “Oliver Lewin planned to commit a terror attack on our nation's infrastructure by amassing a huge amount of equipment and undertaking reconnaissance. He was not only committed to the idea that violence was the only way in which to overthrow the Government, but he also sought to persuade others to join him. These beliefs are extremely dangerous. I’m pleased that the presiding Jury found him guilty of these crimes.”

Oliver Charles Lewin was found guilty of the intention of committing acts of terrorism engaged in conduct in preparation for giving effect to that intention, including engaging in the reconnaissance of proposed targets to attack, purchasing equipment and tools, engaging in digging hideouts and seeking to recruit others to join him in an attack. All of this is contrary to Section 5(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2000.