Dorset man sentenced for terrorism offences

A man who pleaded guilty to two terrorism offences has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison and was made the subject of an extended licence period for a further six years.

24-year-old Robert Gregory, from Bournemouth, will also be subject to a terrorism notification order, which means he will be closely monitored for a period of 30 years.

Gregory was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on 6 May having previously pleaded guilty 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.

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.”