A 28-year-old man from Norton Fitzwarren has been sentenced for sharing material supporting Islamic State online, following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing South West (CTPSW).
Ryan Scuffil was sentenced earlier this week, on Monday 21 October, at the Central Criminal Court in London.
Scuffil had previously pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2006 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 20 May. He was found to have used a social media account under a false name to post pro-Islamic State material, including statements glorifying terrorism and graphic images, over an 11-month period from September 2022.
The investigation began when a warrant was executed in August 2023 at Scuffil’s home on Minehead Road, carried out by officers from CTPSW and Avon and Somerset Police. Electronic devices were seized from the property, and forensic examination of the devices revealed the extent of the material being shared.
During the sentencing, the court heard that Scuffil had no prior convictions and was given credit for his early guilty plea. As a result, he received a three-year community order, which includes a rehabilitation requirement and engagement with the Prevent intervention programme. He is also required to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
Detective Superintendent Sarah Robbins, Head of CTPSW, reassured the public that there was no evidence to suggest Scuffil had been planning any direct threat to public safety. She stated, “The items found on his devices clearly showed a mindset and willingness to disseminate propaganda material supportive of Islamic State, and he had set up a social media profile under another name to carry that out.”
She added, “A dedicated team from across the CTPSW region worked together to obtain all the evidence that was required to secure this conviction, alongside Avon and Somerset Police colleagues. Such offences are rare, but where they do occur, we will fully investigate and seek to bring the offender to justice.”
Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activity, reminding citizens that their vigilance can help prevent harm. Reports can be made confidentially online or by calling the Anti-Terrorist Hotline.
