Man jailed after bomb manuals found on laptop

A man from Redhill has been jailed for eight years following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE).

CTPSE began investigating after a witness reported that suspicious titles about bomb making were slowing down a repair process being performed on a laptop. An investigation was carried out and searches were made of the man's properties and electronics.

Asad Bhatti was found guilty at the Old Bailey on 17 March this year of two counts of possessing an article for the purpose of terrorism, contrary to Section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and three counts of making or possessing an explosive substance under suspicious circumstances contrary to Section 4 of the Explosive Substance Act.

Bhatti was found to have compiled manuals on making explosives, shooting techniques and hand to hand combat. He as also found in possession of manuals written by others. Officers also found chemicals, chemistry equipment, electronic circuitry and even an improvised explosive device, which was dismantled and not deemed functional, in a storage unit.

Detective Chief Superintendent Olly Wright, Head of CTPSE, said: “This case is a perfect example of how important it is that the people within our communities, the people who know it best, are confident to report anything suspicious into us.

“Each year thousands of reports like this one, help police to tackle the terrorist threat.

“We take all reports seriously and will investigate to establish the right steps to take, you won’t be destroying lives, but you might be saving them.

“You are not expected to be an expert, but if you have any suspicions, please make a report. Your information could be the missing part of the puzzle we need – Action Counters Terrorism.”

Image by Joshua Woroniecki from Pixabay