Terrorism and security
Collection of terrorist information
England & Wales. Elements, mode of trial, maximum and defences — not a charging or outcome predictor.
- Triable
- Either way
- Maximum penalty
- 15 years’ custody
Actus reus
- Collects, makes a record of, or possesses a document or record containing information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism (TA 2000, s.58(1)).
Mens rea
- The section is possession/collection of that kind of information. A reasonable-excuse defence is in s.58(3).
Defences
Information not of a kind likely to be useful for terrorism · No collection, record or possession · Reasonable excuse (s.58(3))
Sentencing Council
Sentencing Council guideline effective 01 October 2022. Offence range: High level community order – 14 years’ custody.
At the police station
Downloads and photos of sites are typical. Reasonable excuse is the usual live issue. Solicitor used to TA procedure.
When to involve a rep or solicitor
Police station advice is free under legal aid and is not means-tested. Terrorism Act detention needs a solicitor used to TA procedure.
Authoritative sources for this page
Statute plus Sentencing Council (and CPS where listed) are the two primary sources we used for mode of trial, maximum and elements. Case links are from our verified registry only.
- Statute:Terrorism Act 2000, s.58 ↗
- Sentencing Council:Sentencing Council definitive guideline ↗