Abdul Iqbal QC represents Luke Hunter in respect of terrorism offences relating to widespread dissemination of extreme right-wing propaganda and encouragement of terrorism

30th December 2020 Park Square Barristers

Abdul Iqbal QC recently represented Luke Hunter in respect of terrorism offences relating to widespread dissemination of extreme right-wing propaganda and encouragement of terrorism.

Luke Hunter suffers from autism spectrum disorder that led him to lead a socially isolated life with little human interaction.

He is computer literate and over the last few years he established links online with extreme right-wing individuals and organisations including Feuer Krieg Division, National Action and Atomwaffen. He met some very important figures involved in right-wing extremism.

His interaction with right-wing extremism developed until he was publishing extreme right-wing propaganda both in his own right and on behalf of extremist organisations encouraging the killing of people based on religion, race, and sexuality.

Luke Hunter admitted four offences of encouragement of terrorism (s. 1 Terrorism Act 2006) and three offences of dissemination of a terrorist publication (s. 2 Terrorism Act 2006).

This was a disturbing case of radicalisation of a young man with no previous criminal history.

There was considerable dispute between the defence and prosecution about his level of culpability bearing in mind his mental health diagnosis.

After a three-day trial of issue involving the testing of expert psychiatric and psychological evidence, the defence successfully argued that the defendant did not intend members of the public to carry out acts of terrorism but was reckless as to whether that was the effect of his propaganda.

There were arguments as to culpability, dangerousness, and how the increased maximum sentences for offences under the Terrorism Act 2006 (that are not yet updated in the Sentencing Guidelines for terrorism offences) should be reflected in sentencing.

Ultimately, the defence successfully argued that this was reckless culpability and that the defendant was not a dangerous offender.

Luke Hunter was sentenced to 4 years 2 months imprisonment for the totality of his offending and is necessarily categorised as an offender of particular concern.

The case was widely reported nationally. Further details can be found here :

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-55427937

https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2020-12-23/newcastle-man-jailed-for-terrorism-offences

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/neo-nazi-jailed-luke-hunter-telegram-b1778391.html

Abdul Iqbal QC regularly appears in the most serious and complex criminal cases involving homicide and terrorism.

He also regularly represents professionals charged with criminal and regulatory offences before the courts and/or their professional regulatory bodies.