Former Cambridge University Student Jailed For Terrorism Offence
A former university student has been jailed for a terrorism offence that he was found a document on how to prepare explosive devices. Oliver Bel, of Cherry Tree Close, Wilmslow, was jailed at Manchester Crown Court for two years.
He was found guilty of possession of documents or records likely to be useful to a person preparing, or committing, an act of terrorism (section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000).
Police first realised his activity in early 2019 related to Bel’s online activity. He had social media posts expressing anti-Semitic and extreme wing views while he was a student at Cambridge University.
Police executed a warrant at Bel’s address after several extreme right-wing posts made by him appearing in a news article from ” Hope not Hate” which is an advocacy group campaigning against racism.
During the warrant, police found several media devices that include “Anarchist Cookbook”, a document on how to kill a person with a knife, and a document that contains numerous instructions on how to prepare explosive devices.
Superintendent Will Chatterton, Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: “Although Bel pleaded not guilty to the charges, the evidence presented to the court by the investigations team lead to him being jailed and I hope this shows the determination we have to eradicate this type of extremely dangerous terrorist activity.”
“We are committed to bringing anyone who poses a risk to our communities to justice and I would urge the public to report any concerns they have of suspicious behaviour to us straight away. Reporting won’t ruin lives, but it could save them.”
