Derbyshire man found guilty of encouraging terrorism online

A man from Derbyshire has been found guilty of six terrorism offences including encouraging terrorism online and possessing a 3D printer in order to make a gun.

The 19-year-old was arrested and charged earlier this year after an investigation by specialist officers from Counter Terror Policing East Midlands (CTP EM).

Daniel Harris was found guilty of five counts of encouraging terrorism following a trial at Manchester Crown Court. The charges relate to creation and uploading of material to the internet between February 2021 and March 2022.

Harris was also found guilty of one count of possession of material for terrorist purposes related to the possession of a 3D printer, which he had tried to use to make parts of a firearm.

He was also found not guilty of a further count of encouraging terrorism.

The teenager was remanded in custody until 16 January 2023, when he is due to be sentenced.

CTP EM detective inspector Chris Brett said: “Due to his age and previous offending, we initially attempted to engage with Harris through the Prevent programme, but it soon became clear he was pretending to be deradicalised whilst encouraging terrorism online. The threat he caused meant we had to act in order to ensure the safety of the wider public.

“In a search of Harris’ home, the rather chilling discovery of attempts to make component parts of a firearm printed from his 3D printer, showed a clear intent to create a deadly weapon.

“I’d like to thank our team of dedicated and skilled colleagues involved in this complex investigation into an individual who, in the videos that he produced, clearly demonstrated a distain for law enforcement and public order, as well as an admiration for those who had committed atrocities in terrorist attacks overseas.

“By posting these videos online, Harris’ toxic rhetoric could have had untold influence on countless people across the world. Such actions will not be tolerated.”