Derbyshire man jailed after downloading bomb making manuals
Counter Terrorism Police found he'd downloaded material from both extreme right-wing and Islamic terror organisations, which showed attacks, beheadings and bomb making tutorials.
Last updated 8th Aug 2023
A Derbyshire man has been put behind bars after downloading terrorist bomb making manuals, before going on the run to Bulgaria.
David Bodill, of Carlisle Road, Buxton, was first arrested on 2 March 2020, after Derbyshire Police gained intelligence relating to him buying materials which could be used to make explosives.
At his home, officers found chemicals that, when mixed in the correct amounts, could be used to create explosives.
Alongside the chemicals a notepad with detailed references to mixing these substances together to create explosives was found.
After seizing his laptop, police also found searches for how to make gunpowder, as well as downloaded bomb making manuals.
After the case was passed to Counter Terrorism Police, further searches of devices owned by Bodill found that he had downloaded extremist material.
This material was from both extreme right-wing and Islamic terror organisations which showed attacks, beheadings and bomb making tutorials.
The 29-year-old was charged with an offence under section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883 and was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court last year, but he failed to attend.
It emerged he'd flown to Bulgaria, telling officers he had no plans to return to the UK.
He was eventually arrested by authorities earlier this year and was extradited back to the UK, where he was remanded to prison awaiting trial.
Last week, following a trial, the jury at Manchester Crown Court returned a guilty verdict and yesterday (7 August) he was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison.
DS Frank Fraser from Counter Terrorism Policing East Midlands said: “The substances and downloaded bomb making materials possessed by David Bodill are very concerning.
“Not only had he researched and written his own notes on bomb making but had also searched for and downloaded extreme footage from various terrorist groups.
“While he did not appear to have any significantly extreme political views his interest in such matters – combined with his bomb making materials and handbooks – makes for a dangerous individual.
“We welcome both the verdict and sentence and hope it sends a clear message that we will do all we can to ensure the safety of our communities.