Terrorists who use encrypted social media messages to plot attacks set to get longer sentences
The Sentencing Council has published new guidelines increasing the length of jail time imposed on the 'low-tech' methods being used such as cars and knives
TERRORISTS caught using encrypted social media messaging when plotting an attack will be given longer jail terms under new sentencing guidelines.
Offenders caught playing even a minor role in terror planning could also receive harsher penalties from next month.
The Sentencing Council published new guidelines in response to a dramatic shift in the terror threat – with attackers using “low-tech” methods such using cars or knives.
In the guidelines, the use of encrypted communications to avoid detection or repeated accessing of extremist material are listed as “aggravating” factors that could be taken into account when judges weigh up their verdict.
The new guidelines will keep the same maximum sentence of life with a minimum term of 40 years for section 5 cases.
But the sentencing range for the lowest-level crimes will be set at three to six years - compared to 21 months to five years under the existing guidance.
Cases that could fall into this category include those where preparations are not well developed, or where an offender offers a small amount of assistance to others.
Work started on the plans in 2016 but they are being fast-tracked after Britain was hit by five attacks last year.
A key change applies to offences under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, which can be used to prosecute individuals who plan terrorist acts or those who help others in the plotting.
In 2016, the Court of Appeal issued guidance for sentences imposed under the section.
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This has worked effectively to now, but the “changing nature of offending” means it needs to be reconsidered, according to the Sentencing Council.
It noted that terrorist acts seen in recent times have involved “far less sophisticated methods” than was previously the case.
Three attacks involved vehicles last year, while knives were used in the Westminster and London Bridge atrocities.
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