A 24-year-old Bournemouth man is now behind bars having been found guilt of terrorism offences.

Robert Gregory has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison and has been made the subject of an extended licence period for a further six years. 

He will also be subject to a terrorism notification order, which means he will be closely monitored for a period of 30 years.

He was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday 6 May, having pleaded guilt on Thursday 1 April to two charges contrary to section 58(1)(c) of the Terrorism Act 2000 – these being that he viewed, or otherwise accessed, by means of the internet a document or record containing information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

Gregory’s mobile phone was seized on Friday 26 April 2019 after concerns were raised about searches that had been made on the device.

A detailed review of his mobile phone revealed that instructional videos on the manufacture of a small explosive device and an electronic timer had been viewed, or otherwise accessed, on Saturday 13 April 2019.

Detective Inspector Dave Lennane, of Counter Terrorism South West, said: “We will always act on concerns raised and will thoroughly investigate each case to determine whether any offences have been committed.

“However, counter terrorism policing cannot protect our society on its own. We need everyone to be alert to signs that somebody might be getting drawn to looking at material that could ultimately lead to people being harmed.

“Friends and family are usually best placed to spot the signs, so trust your instincts and tell us your concerns in confidence. We can help if you act early. You won’t be wasting our time and you won’t ruin lives, but you might save them.”

To find out more about how to help someone close to you visit actearly.uk – a website that offers advice, support and real stories.