Terrorist returned to jail after investigation by East Midlands Counter Terrorism Policing

A convicted terrorist has been returned to jail after admitting to breaching a notification order and being in possession of offensive weapons.

It comes after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing in the East Midlands (CTP EM).

Roger Smith, formerly from Clifton in Bristol, pleaded guilty to three counts of failing to comply with notification requirements, contrary to the Counter Terrorism Act 2008.

Yesterday (Friday 10 March 2023), Smith was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court, where he was sentenced to a total of 20 months' imprisonment.

The breaches of a 10-year Part 4 Terrorist Notification Order were failing to notify police of a phone number, email address and passport – contrary to the Act.

The 53-year-old, who was released from prison in December 2020 following conviction, in January 2017, for explosives and terrorism offences, also pleaded guilty to six counts of being in possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.

Police say after Smith’s arrest in September 2021, a search warrant was executed at his home. During searches officers recovered a number of flick and zombie-style knives and a can of pepper spray.

Detective Inspector Christopher Brett, of CTP EM, said: "Roger Smith had already spent time in jail for explosives and terrorist offences, but despite the period served and the interventions in place to support his rehabilitation, he proceeded to breach his notification order and even reverted to building a collection of potentially deadly weapons.

“Today’s result shows the proactivity involved and the extent to which we go in order to protect communities from terrorism.

"Information from the public is vital to our investigations. If you have any concerns, don’t wait, report them.”

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