Possession of terrorist material leads to one-year jail term

Wilson will also have an extended license period of 12 months and be subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order for five years, in addition to Part 4 notification requirements under the Terrorism Act 2000 for ten years upon release.

Back in December 2023, officers from the Cheshire Constabulary executed a warrant at Wilson’s address following reports that he had purchased prohibited chemicals without a license.

Upon entering the property, attending officers found materials that could potentially be used to create a homemade explosive device, along with a large amount of literature which provided advice on how to conduct a terrorist attack.

As such, a cordon was put in place to allow for the scene to be examined before it was declared safe following an effective multi-agency response involving Counter Terrorism Policing North West, the Cheshire Constabulary, the Fire and Rescue Service and Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

During the examination of the scene, schematics for a 3D printed firearm were also found to be in Wilson’s possession. In fact, his conviction for possessing 3D printed firearm schematics is believed to be one of the first prosecuted under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Cache of literature

Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Chadwick, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, explained: “Jonathan Wilson collected a cache of literature which would be useful to somebody preparing to commit an act of terrorism. The information contained within these documents is very dangerous so the offences to which he has pleaded guilty are incredibly serious.”

Chadwick continued: “Wilson’s conviction for possessing a schematic for a 3D printed firearm is believed to be one of the first of its kind prosecuted under the Terrorism Act 2000 and demonstrates how seriously the police service and the courts view this activity. Any individual found to possess such material can expect to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

In addition, Chadwick commented: “It’s important to state that we don’t  believe he was actively trying to build an explosive device. Nevertheless, the items present at his address caused serious concern, which prompted a swift and effective multi-agency response. We welcome the sentence passed and hope it serves as a deterrent to anyone considering collecting this type of information.”

Terrorism offences

Ivan Jennings, aged 46 from Stafford, has been jailed for encouraging terrorism and sharing terrorism material expressing far-right views on social media. Appearing at Leicester Crown Court, Jennings was handed a jail sentence lasting five years and three months.

At an early hearing in May, Jennings had pleaded guilty to encouragement of terrorism and disseminating terrorism materials.

Jennings was arrested in a pre-planned operation in November 2024. Both his home and workplace were searched. Far-right paraphernalia, flags and a number of electronic devices were seized during the search.

On examination of his laptop and phone, it was discovered that Jennings had posted videos promoting a proscribed organisation as well as a number of extremely violent videos.

Detective Chief Superintendent Alison Hurst, head of Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands, noted: “I hope the fact that Jennings is now serving a prison sentence sends a clear message that extreme far-right views and promoting serious violence is completely unacceptable in our society and it simply will not be tolerated.”

Hurst concluded: “We and our partners in the security services and policing nationally continue to work day and night in order to protect members of the public against the threat of terrorism.”