Jailed Extremist Stefan Aristidou Gets 28 Months at Old Bailey
Stefan Aristidou, 27, a British national with no fixed address, has been handed 28 months in prison at the Old Bailey. He pleaded guilty to four counts of sharing terrorist material, breaching the Terrorism Act 2006.
Family Feared He Joined ISIS in Syria
Aristidou’s family reported him missing in April 2015, fearing he had travelled to Syria. Police uncovered extremist content on his computer, showing he shared violent terrorist propaganda with others. His online chats suggested he had left the UK to join Daesh in Syria.
Arrested in Turkey, Deported and Re-Arrested in UK
Turkish authorities arrested Aristidou in April 2017 and jailed him for membership of a terrorist group. After serving his sentence, he was deported to the UK on 3 February 2020. Upon landing at Heathrow, he was immediately arrested by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) over the extremist material he had disseminated.
“If you commit terrorism offences in the UK, police will seek to prosecute you – no matter how much time has elapsed,” said Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
“Extremist propaganda of the kind Aristidou shared shows graphic acts of terrorist violence and promotes a hateful, toxic ideology. Aristidou will now spend more time in jail for this offending.”
Communities Play Crucial Role in Fighting Terror
Authorities urge the public to report suspicious behaviour to help thwart terrorism. If you see or hear something unusual, visit gov.uk/ACT to report in confidence.
In an emergency, always call 999 immediately.
Concerned someone you know is being radicalised? Call the national Police Prevent Advice Line on 0800 011 3764 confidentially. Trained Prevent officers are ready to listen. Learn more at actearly.uk.
