Anarchist student sentenced to 13 years in prison for distributing a terror guide aimed at marginalized individuals

Jacob Graham, a 20-year-old college student from Liverpool, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for writing a “how-to” terror guide on weapons and bombs dedicated to “misfits” and “social nobodies”. Graham, who used the name “Destro the Destroyer”, idolized US terrorist Theodore Kaczynski – the “Unabomber”, and spoke of feeling wronged by his college and going on a “rampage”. He was found guilty of preparing terrorist acts, possessing information for terrorist purposes, and disseminating a terrorist publication.

Prosecutors alleged that Graham, although not about to commit a terrorist act himself, assisted other extremists he communicated with online. His motivation stemmed from a hatred and contempt for the Government, whom he perceived as tyrannical and oppressive towards “working class” people. Graham had above average intelligence and saw himself as a leader. He acquired instructions to construct bombs, firearms, and ammunition, and carried out chemical experiments. Police found chemicals, a 3D printer capable of printing parts of homemade firearms, and an “online arsenal” of information on his devices.

Despite claims that his activities were just “escapism and fantasy”, Graham was described by the judge as a dangerous offender. He searched the internet for information on making explosives, weapons, and ammunition, and portrayed himself as a knowledgeable and experienced terrorist. The judge noted that Graham posed a significant risk to the public of committing serious terrorist offences. His defense cited the impact of lockdown and his young age when he offended as factors to consider during sentencing.

During the trial, the prosecution revealed that Graham wrote a guide titled the Freedom Encyclopaedia, dedicated to individuals who want to fight for freedom against the Government. The guide detailed how to make weapons, explosives, fuses, pipe bombs, gunpowder, nail and car bombs. Graham’s probation report concluded that he had above average intelligence and saw himself as a leader. His defense emphasized that there was no clear ideological, political, or religious motivation behind his terror offences.

Jacob Graham showed no reaction as he was sentenced to 13 years in prison with a five-year extended license. He must also notify the police of his whereabouts for 30 years. After being arrested in May 2022, police found chemicals, a 3D printer, and an “online arsenal” of information on his computer devices. Despite Graham’s claims that his activities were just a “strange hobby,” the judge determined him to be a dangerous offender with a significant risk of committing serious, specified terrorist offences.