Liverpool man jailed for preparing for acts of terrorism

A 20-year-old man from Liverpool has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after being found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism.

Jacob Graham was found guilty of preparation of terrorist acts, contrary to section 5(1)(b) of the Terrorism Act 2006; two counts of dissemination of terrorist publications, contrary to Section 2 of the Terrorism Act 2006; and four counts of possession of material likely to be useful to a terrorist, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) became aware of Graham during an investigation into purchases of chemicals that could have been used to make explosives.

In May 2023, a warrant was executed at his address and he was arrested under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 by officers from Merseyside Police and CTPNW.

Officers found manuals, instructions, and publications which he had collected and stored on his media devices, and which police said were intended to provide instruction on how to manufacture firearms, ammunition and explosives.

Graham has also constructed and shared a document he called ‘Freedom Encyclopaedia’. The manual contained instructions on how to build weapons, including shotguns, nail bombs, explosives, including Black Powder (also known as gunpowder) and plastic explosive; ignition devices and instructions on how the perpetrators might evade the police.

The introduction of the document stated it was for ‘misfits, social nobodies, Anarchists and Terrorists’. The prosecution argued it was designed to assist others in committing their own acts of terrorism and that Graham was motivated by hatred of the government and ecological concerns.

It was also found that Graham sent instructional documents on how to construct explosives and a submachine gun to online contacts and was reckless as to whether they would provide assistance to others in the commission of acts of terrorism.

He was found not guilty on one additional charge on the indictment, that he had himself engaged in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism.

Andy Meeks, Counter Terrorism Policing North West Superintendent, said:

“Anyone who promotes dangerous extremist views or content has no place in our society and we will not accept any attempt to incite hatred. CTPNW remains committed to seeking these people out and holding them to account.

“Jacob Graham’s actions in consuming ad producing extremist literature, and the hatred he displayed, remain deeply disturbing and I am pleased the investigation has secured a lengthy jail sentence.

“This investigation is a stark reminder of the damaging and dangerous content that can be found online and that poses a grave risk to young and vulnerable people.

“I would encourage parents and carers to have open and frank conversations with children about what material they are accessing online. If you have concerns about someone falling victim to online radicalisation, and you notice a shift in their beliefs or attitude, I would encourage you to seek help sooner rather than later. Reporting won’t ruin lives but it could save them."