Man convicted of terrorism offense after sharing material online

*Issued on behalf of Counter Terrorism Policing South West*

A Norton Fitzwarren man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to sharing online material in support of the Islamic State.

Ryan Scuffil was sentenced yesterday (Monday, October 21) at the Central Criminal Court in London following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing South West (CTPSW).

The 28-year-old had pleaded guilty to an offense under Section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2006 when he appeared before magistrates in Westminster on Monday, May 20.

Scuffil was found to have used a social media profile under a false name to post pro-Islamic State material, including statements glorifying acts of terror and graphic images over an eleven-month period starting in September 2022.

In August 2023, a warrant was served at Scuffil’s home address, involving officers from CTPSW and Avon and Somerset Police. Electronic devices were seized from his property and subsequently examined.

The court was told Scuffil had no previous convictions and was given credit for an early guilty plea.

Scuffil was given a three-year community order, which includes a rehabilitation requirement and sees him take part in the Prevent intervention programme. He will also have to perform 200 hours of unpaid work.

CTPSW Superintendent Sarah Robbins said: “We would like to reassure people that during the investigation there was no evidence at all that Scuffil was considering or planning any form of activity that would have directly endangered public safety.

“However, the items found on his devices clearly showed a mentality and willingness to spread propaganda material supporting the Islamic State, and he had set up a social media profile under a different name to carry that out.

“A dedicated team from across the CTPSW region worked together to obtain all the evidence needed to secure this conviction, alongside colleagues from Avon and Somerset Police.

“Such offenses are rare, but when they do occur we will investigate fully and seek to bring the perpetrator to justice.”