Man jailed in Manchester after police discover terrifying terror attack guides and ‘materials’ in his home
Man jailed in Manchester after police discover terrifying terror attack guides and ‘materials’ in his home
Jonathan Wilson has been put behind bars after counter-terror police found the items at his Macclesfield house
A man has been put behind bars after police stormed his home and uncovered terror attack guides and ‘potential bomb-making materials’.
Officers raided Jonathan Wilson’s house in Macclesfield in December 2023 following reports that he had bought prohibited chemicals without a licence. Inside they found a ‘large amount of literature’ which gave advice on how to conduct a terrorist attack.
Police also found ‘materials that could potentially be used to create a homemade explosive device’. The 49-year-old was not ‘actively trying to build an explosive device’, police said, but the discovery of the items caused ‘serious concern’.
Wilson was arrested and a cordon was put in place while officers Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW), Cheshire Constabulary, the fire service and bomb disposal experts examined the scene. During the examination, schematics for a 3D printed firearm were also found to be in Wilson’s possession.
His conviction for possessing 3D printed firearm schematics is believed to be one of the first prosecuted under the Terrorism Act. Wilson, of Abbey Road, Macclesfield, was charged and pleaded guilty to nine counts of possessing/collecting of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism (Section 58, Terrorism Act 2000).
He has now been jailed for 12 months at Manchester Crown Court. He will also have an extended license period of 12 months, and be subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) for five years and part 4 notification requirements under the Terrorism Act for ten years upon release.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Chadwick, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: “Jonathan Wilson collected a cache of literature which would be useful to somebody preparing to commit an act of terrorism. The information contained within these documents is, put simply, very dangerous so the offences he has pleaded guilty to are incredibly serious.
“His conviction of possessing a schematic for a 3D printed firearm is believed to be one of the first of its kind prosecuted under the Terrorism Act and demonstrates how seriously the police and courts view this activity. Any person found to possess such material can expect to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
“It is important to state that we do not believe he was actively trying to build an explosive device. Nevertheless, the items present at his address caused serious concern, which prompted a swift and effective multi-agency response.
“We welcome the sentence passed today and hope it serves as a deterrent to anyone considering collecting this type of information.”
