A MAN from Bangor who downloaded terrorist documents has been spared jail.
Ashton Rees “boasted” about making a pipebomb after downloading these documents, and “experimented” with making his own, some of which he buried in woodland and were not recovered.
Rees, 21, of Caernarfon Road, was sentenced to a year’s imprisonment and a 12-month licence period, suspended for two years, at Liverpool Crown Court today (April 1).
He was convicted after a trial last month of four counts of possessing a document containing information useful to terrorism.
The court heard that the documents found on Rees’ phone including the Anarchists’ Cookbook and instructions to make homemade firearms and explosives.
He had shared some of the documents with others, including via the website Reddit, and he retained the documents for about 18 months.
Photos of Rees wearing a skull mask, which the court heard he knew was associated with the far-right, and paramilitary-style clothing were also discovered on his phone.
When his university room was searched in February 2024, police found knives and skull masks – Rees has since been expelled from university, where he was studying marine biology.
He also developed a friendship with Aristedes Haynes, a former RAF cadet from South Wales who was convicted in 2023 after daubing a Windrush mural with Nazi symbols.
Rees initially encountered Mr Haynes via a group chat, and initially thought he was “ridiculous,” but later consider him a friend.
It was not alleged by the prosecution that Rees is or was a terrorist, or planned any terrorist activity.
Judge Brian Cummings KC said Rees “at times took an unhealthy interest in topics such as mass shootings and political assassinations”.
On Rees’ creation of home-made weapons, the judge told him: “You certainly experimented, and whatever you did make, you disposed of.”
The defendant, who was supported by his mother and father, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as a child, and was described in court as “psychologically vulnerable”.
He had no previous convictions, had not re-offended since his arrest, and has married since these offences, taking on caring responsibilities for his wife.
Rees found employment following his expulsion from university, but his job was also said to be at risk because of his conviction.
Sentencing, Judge Cummings told Rees: “You did not plead guilty – you should have, but I do accept you were genuine when you expressed remorse to your probation officer, and told her you were ashamed of your behaviour.
“You and your parents are, no doubt, relieved that you’re not immediately going to prison, but do not lose sight of the position you are in.
“For the next two years, that special two-year custodial sentence hangs over your head. I don’t want to see you again.”
Judge Cummings said a suspended sentence in Rees’ case “best serves the public interest,” as opposed to immediate custody, which he said could be “destructive”.
Rees will complete 60 days’ rehabilitation activity and 200 hours’ unpaid work, and was made subject to a two-year prohibited activity requirement.
He must adhere to counter-terrorism notification requirements for 10 years.
Far-Right Criminals 