Terrorism

Specialist lawyers dealing with terrorism offences

At Olliers Solicitors, we are specialists in defending individuals accused of terrorism-related offences. These are some of the most serious and complex cases within the criminal justice system, often involving extensive investigations, substantial evidence, and sensitive political or national security concerns. We are committed to providing expert legal representation, safeguarding your rights, and ensuring the best possible outcome. 

Our senior criminal solicitors are all leaders in their field. Olliers is ranked as a top tier law firm by both the authoritative guides to the legal profession, namely the Legal 500 2025 and Chambers Guide 2025. We are a Times Best Law Firm 2025. We are the Manchester Legal Awards 2024 Crime Team of the Year retaining the title from 2023, an award we have won seven times since 2011.

How is terrorism defined?

Terrorism can be defined as the use or threat of action, both in and outside of the UK, 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 ideological cause, serious violence against a person or damage to property. It can include acts which endanger a person’s life (other than that of the person committing the action), or acts which create a serious risk to the health or safety of the public. It could also include actions designed to seriously interfere with or disrupt an electronic system. The planning, assisting or even researching how to commit terrorist acts are all crimes under terrorism legislation.

It is a complex area and should you find yourself under investigation in relation to such matters you should seek legal advice. 

Understanding Terrorism Offences 

Terrorism offences in the UK are defined under the Terrorism Act 2000 and subsequent legislation, including the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019. These laws encompass a wide range of activities, including: 

• Acts of Terrorism: Planning, preparing, or carrying out attacks intended to cause harm or influence governments or the public. 

• Funding Terrorism: Providing financial or material support to individuals or organisations associated with terrorism. 

• Dissemination of Terrorist Material: Sharing or possessing materials intended to incite terrorism, such as videos or propaganda. 

• Membership or Support of Prohibited Groups: Belonging to or supporting an organization proscribed under UK law. 

• Travel and Border Offences: Traveling to conflict zones or engaging in prohibited activities at borders. 

The legal definitions are broad, and investigations often involve complex evidence, including digital communications, financial transactions, and surveillance. 

Counter Terrorism Legislation

Whilst terrorist offences can be dealt with under more familiar charges such as conspiracy to murder, or conspiracy to create an explosion, there are a number of significant pieces of counter-terrorism legislation which create more specific offences in this area:

The Terrorism Act 2000 

The Terrorism Act 2000 created a wide range of offences including:

• Being a member of a ‘proscribed organisation’ 
• Raising funds for or donating money to a proscribed organisation
• Receiving or providing money for the purposes of terrorism
• Facilitating the laundering of terrorist money
• Failing to inform the police if a person believes that someone they know is in preparation of acts of terrorism. A person commits an offence if he/she does not disclose the information to the police as soon as reasonably practicable.
• Collecting or making a record of information likely to be useful to a person committing an act of terrorism
• Possessing a document or record containing the above kind of information

The Terrorism Act 2006 

The Terrorism Act 2006 widened the scope of the counter-terrorism legislation by adding additional offences including: 

• Engaging in the preparation of terrorist acts (s5)
• Assisting others in the preparation of acts of terrorism
• Providing or receiving training for terrorism or attending any place where terrorism training is being conducted
• Encouraging terrorism, including the publishing of material which could be useful to a person in the preparation of acts of terror
• Distributing a terrorist publication with the intention of encouraging acts of terrorism.

The Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019

The Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 recent development included measures to increase sentences for several terrorism offences and to end automatic early release for convicted terrorists.  Some of its provisions are set out below: 

• The Act creates an offence of ‘reckless expressions of support for a prescribed organisation’
• It creates an offence of publication of images related to a proscribed organisation
• It creates an offence of obtaining or viewing terrorist material over the internet
• It creates an offence of entering or remaining in a designated area
• It increases the maximum sentences for encouragement of terrorism and dissemination of terrorist publications to 15 years
• It makes extended sentences available for terrorism offences
• It ends automatic early release and allowed a longer period on licence
• It strengthens notification requirements on convicted terrorists, and introduces greater powers to enter and search their homes
• It extends Serious Crime Prevention Orders for terrorism offences
• Section 18 amends the Terrorism Act 2000 so that the pre-charge detention clock can be paused when a detained person is transferred from police custody to hospital.

Challenges in Terrorism Cases 

Terrorism cases are unique due to their complexity and sensitivity: 

• Extensive Evidence: These cases often rely on vast amounts of evidence, including intercepted communications, online activity, and expert testimony. 

• Lengthy Investigations: Terrorism investigations can involve prolonged periods of surveillance, leading to significant delays in charging decisions. 

• Specialist Agencies: Cases are usually led by agencies such as the Counter-Terrorism Police, the Security Service (MI5), or the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), requiring experienced defence representation. 

• Impact on Liberty: Individuals accused of terrorism offences may face restrictive bail conditions, lengthy remand periods, or measures under the Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Act 2011 (TPIMs). 

Our Expertise in Terrorism Defence 

At Olliers Solicitors, we have a proven track record in representing individuals accused of terrorism-related offences. Our experience ensures a meticulous approach to these complex cases: 

Early Intervention 

We provide immediate representation during police interviews, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you do not inadvertently compromise your defence.  We engage proactively with investigators to challenge evidence and seek early resolutions. 

Challenging Evidence 

Terrorism cases often rely on evidence from digital devices, financial transactions, and surveillance. Our team works with leading experts to scrutinise this evidence, ensuring its validity and reliability. 

We are experienced in challenging the admissibility of evidence obtained through covert methods, including intercepted communications or surveillance. 

Specialist Knowledge 

Our team is well-versed in terrorism legislation and procedures, including the use of control orders, TPIMs, and powers under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. 

Comprehensive Support 

We provide guidance on the wider implications of terrorism allegations, including media attention, employment issues, and travel restrictions. 

Why Choose Olliers Solicitors? 

• Proven Expertise: We have extensive experience in handling high-profile and sensitive terrorism cases. 

• Discretion and Sensitivity: We understand the personal and professional impact of terrorism allegations and handle all cases with the utmost discretion. 

• Tailored Representation: Every case is unique, and we adapt our strategies to meet the specific needs of each client. 

• Access to Leading Experts: We work with a network of specialists, including forensic analysts, surveillance experts, and leading terrorism barristers.

Olliers Solicitors – Specialist Criminal Defence Lawyers

Matt Corn has experience in representing an individual charged with preparing for acts of terrorism (TA 2006 section 5) and disseminating terrorist publications (section 2) as part of a large-scale undercover operation in Manchester. In 2019 he represented an individual interviewed under caution in relation to Operation Manteline (Manchester Arena attack).

If you or someone you know  are facing an allegation of terrorism, you should contact a specialist solicitor. Olliers have a specialist team who will be able to assist in achieving the best outcome.

Contact Olliers Solicitors today for confidential, professional advice and representation. 

Contact us by telephone at 0161 834 1515, by email at info@olliers.com or complete the form below.