Paul Martin, from South Norwood, has been charged with terrorism offences and possession of dangerous weapons, and was released on bail ahead of an Old Bailey trial at the end of this month
Paul Martin, from Suffolk Road, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where he was accused of encouraging terrorism by using social media to call for an armed uprising during the covid pandemic.
Martin appeared in court wearing a blue tie and dark coat and had his grey hair in a ponytail.
Martin was initially arrested in September 2021 and released under investigation.
The charges make for eye-opening reading: “encouragement of terrorism, contrary to Section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2006, possession of articles for the purposes of terrorism, contrary to Section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and possession of a weapon capable of discharging a noxious substance or other thing, contrary to Section 5(1)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968”.
Martin is alleged to have posted messages in a Telegram group called “The Resistance UK” under the username “Perpetual Truth”.
Between Decemeber 15 2020 and September 29 2021, he is alleged to have discussed gathering and arming a militia to attack members of the government and the police.
Martin is further charged with possessing a dagger, a knife, two crossbows and arrows, “which gave rise to a reasonable suspicion that he intended to use them for the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorist acts”, it was reported from court.
After being at liberty for more than three years since his initial arrest, this potentially dangerous, and armed, suspected terrorist was yesterday released on conditional bail, to appear at the Old Bailey on January 31. Until then, he has been ordered to sleep at his residence, not to delete any of his internet or social media history and to allow the police to inspect any device.
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