A CHESHIRE man who was found with a guide on how to make explosives has been jailed for a terrorism offence.

Former Cambridge University student Oliver Bel was handed a two-year sentence at Manchester Crown Court today after being found guilty of possessing documents or records likely to be useful to person preparing or committing an act of terrorism.

The 24-year-old came to the attention of police in 2019 while studying at the university after complaints were made regarding his online activity, which included social media posts expressing anti-Semitic and extreme right wing views.

On November 15 that year, a search warrant was executed at Bel's Cherry Tree Close address, in Wilmslow, following a number of extreme right wing posts made by him appearing in a news article from 'Hope not Hate' - an advocacy group campaigning against racism.

During this search warrant, a number of media devices along with books were seized, including the 'Anarchist Cookbook'. Assessment of this document showed it contained numerous instructions on how to prepare viable explosive devices, as well as instructions on how to use knives to kill a person.

Bel was subsequently arrested on February 19, 2020, by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West.

In his police interview, Bel denied the allegations but was later charged on April 2 with one count of possession of a document or record likely to be useful to a person preparing, or committing, an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Throughout his trial in April this year, Bel declined to give evidence but was found guilty. Today he was jailed for two years with an additional year on licence.

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."

Every year thousands of reports from the public help police tackle the terrorist threat. If you see or hear something that doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and ACT by reporting to police in confidence at gov.uk/ACT.  

Remember, in an emergency, always dial 999.