Terror Trial Numbers Shoot Up as Jails Fill with More Dangerous Offenders
The number of people brought to trial for terrorism in the year ending June 30, 2018, soared by 39% to 100 – the highest since records began in 2009. Out of these, 90 were convicted, smashing previous records for convictions.
More Terrorists Behind Bars for Longer
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) officers and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) are cracking down harder than ever. The number of terror offenders handed custodial sentences longer than ten years has jumped significantly. Even more alarmingly, life sentences rose from two to ten in just one year.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dean Haydon, the senior national coordinator for CTP, said: “At a time of unprecedented demand, our teams are working flat out to bring offenders to justice.”
He added: “This success is down to the dedication of officers and staff not only in London but across our 11 Counter Terrorism Units nationwide. We’re prosecuting more people and locking up the most dangerous for longer to keep the public safe.”
Fewer Arrests, But The Threat Isn’t Going Anywhere
Despite the rise in prosecutions, arrests for terrorism-related offences actually dropped by 22% – falling from 449 to 351. But this dip is linked to a spike in arrests the previous year following five terror attacks, not a sign that police action or threat levels have eased.
In fact, active investigations hit a record high, with over 650 live probes targeting the most dangerous suspects.
DAC Haydon explained: “Demands on CT Policing have risen by about a third since early 2017. While arrests fell, we prevented 13 Islamist-related and four Extreme Right Wing terror plots since March 2017. The threat is still very real.”
Public Plays Key Role in Terror Fight
Haydon urged the public to stay vigilant. “Many convictions and arrests rely on tips from the public,” he stressed. People who spot suspicious behaviour can report it anonymously via www.gov.uk/ACT or call the confidential hotline on 0800 789 321.
“If you notice anything odd or someone acting strangely, tell the police. You could help keep us all safe and help convict those who want to do us harm.”
