A man from Norris Green who wrote a plan to commit a bombing campaign with the aim of killing more than 50 people, is awaiting sentence.
Jacob Graham (20) of Outer Forum, appeared at Manchester Crown Court on February 22, where he was convicted of the following terrorism offences:
- 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
- Four counts of possession of material likely to be useful to a terrorist, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000
Jacob Graham was arrested back in May 2023 by Merseyside Police and Counter Terrorism Policing North West.
Warrant
The warrant which was carried out at his home was part of an investigation into purchases of chemicals that could have been used to make explosives.
Officers reviewed Graham’s media devices and identified that he had collected a huge number of manuals, instructions and publications, regarding manufacture of firearms, ammunition and explosives; some of which were printed out and stored in a folder.
Graham had created an instruction manual called ‘Freedom Encyclopaedia’ and shared it with contacts over the internet. It included details on how to build weapons, including shotguns, nail bombs, explosives, including Black Powder (also known as gunpowder) and plastic explosive; as well as how to evade the police.
This document contained an opening paragraph that described the book being written for ‘misfits, social nobodies, anarchists and terrorists’ and the prosecution argued he intended this to assist others in committing their own acts of terrorism and that Graham was motivated both by hatred of the government and ecological concerns.
Graham was found to be not guilty on one additional charge on the indictment, that he had himself engaged in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism.
The jury heard evidence that Graham had written a document setting out his plan to commit a bombing campaign with the aim of killing 50 or more people, and that he had then gone on to acquire chemicals and experiment with construction of explosives.
Graham has been remanded into custody until March 18, for sentencing.
Proactive police work
Superintendent Andy Meeks of CTPNW said: “I hope this investigation offers some reassurance to the public as it highlights the great proactive work our officers do to identify extremist activity.
“Online extremism is a growing threat and this case sadly is a prime example; where a young man from Merseyside has become radicalised online, without ever having left his bedroom. He shared extreme content online recklessly and without any regard for who received his instructions or for what purpose.
“He even went so far as to say he intended this material to be instructional to other terrorists. In communications with unknown users online, Graham was found to have been encouraging and inciting terrorist activity, he also shared information, downloaded bomb making instructions and encouraged others to take part in acts of violence.
“This online activity is dangerous and can rightly carry a heavy prison sentence to ensure our communities are kept safe. If you are engaging in similar behaviour online, know this is not a victimless crime and you could face arrest and many years in prison.
“I also want to encourage the public to report any possible extremist activity as soon as possible. I understand how difficult this decision might be but if you have suspicions, you must report them sooner rather than later. Reporting won’t ruin lives but it could save them.”
You can report suspected acts of terrorism to: https://www.gov.uk/report-terrorism
