A BARNSLEY man who spread terrorist publications and possessed almost 1,000 indecent images of children has been jailed for over two years.
Ryan Jackson, 31, of Wath Road in Brampton, was initially arrested in July 2021 as part of an investigation into an online right-wing extremist group.
Members of the Telegram - an online messaging service - group from across the country came together to exchange racist views, propaganda, and terror manuals, while advocating the use of violence to further their cause.
Linked investigations from the Counter Terrorism Police has led to six other members from the same group being convicted and sentenced to over 40 years imprisonment for terrorism and firearms offences.
Jackson’s home was searched by officers following his arrest, which resulted in five digital exhibits being seized and subject to detailed examination.
He was found to have collected terrorist publications and had shared instructional terrorist material in the Telegram group.
While expert investigators were examining the devices, it was also found that Jackson had amassed over 900 indecent images of children, and over 200 ‘extreme pornographic’ images involving animals.
He was subsequently charged in November 2022 and pleaded guilty to a number of offences - including possessing indecent images of children and spreading a terrorist publication - at hearings in September 2023 and March this year.
He was yesterday sentenced to two-and-a-half years imprisonment and one year on licence for terrorism and indecent images offences.
He will also be subject to a ten year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: “I am grateful to the officers in this case that have conducted a thorough investigation and ensured that Jackson has been brought to justice for the number of crimes that he has committed.
“This case demonstrates the seriousness of engaging in extremist behaviour online and the real world consequences of doing so.
“Anyone found to be involved in such activity can expect to be identified and put before the courts.
“I would encourage anyone who is aware of extreme material online, to report it to police so we can take appropriate action.”
