Terrorism involves the use of violence and intimidation, both in and outside the UK, especially against civilians, which is designed to influence any international government organisation or to intimidate the public. It must also be for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or idealogical cause.
The most common types of terrorism in the UK involve acts to intended to cause serious violence or death, or extensive damage to property.
Cases are prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division (SCCTD).
In recent years, there have been a number of pieces of legislation which have tightened the law in this area, including, The Terrorism Act 2000, The Terrorism Act 2006, The Counter Terrorism Act 2008, and the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019.
The main terrorism offences prosecuted by the SCCTD include:
- Preparation of Terrorist Acts (s.5 TA 2006) – it is an offence for a person to engage in the preparation of acts of terrorism, or to assist others in preparation of acts of terrorism.
- Collecting Information (s.58 TA 2000) – it is an offence to collect or make a record of information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.
- Dissemination of terrorist publications (s.2 TA 2006) – it is an offence to distribute a terrorist publication with the intention of encouraging acts of terrorism.
Other common terrorism offences include Membership of a Proscribed Organisation (s.11 TA 2000), Supporting a Proscribed Organisation (s.12 TA 2000), Wearing a uniform (s.13 TA 2000), Finance and Money Laundering in relation to terrorist acts (s.15-17 and s.18 TA 2000), Weapons Training s.54 TA 2000), Directing a Terrorist Organisation (s.56 TA 2000), Possession of an article for Terrorist Purposes (s.57 TA 2000), Encouragement of Terrorism (s.1 TA 2006), Dissemination of Terrorist Publications (s.2 TA 2006), Providing or Receiving Instruction or Training for Terrorism (s.6 TA 2006) or Attendance at a place for Terrorist Training (s.8 TA 2006).
The lawyers at Tank Jowett Solicitors have a proven track record in defending serious allegations including terrorism offences. Read our case histories for further information.