A Macclesfield man found in possession of 'terrorist material' during a police raid has been jailed.

Jonathan Wilson, of Abbey Road, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday, September 16.

It comes after the 49-year-old admitted to nine counts of possessing/collecting of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Chadwick, head of counter terrorism policing North West, said: "Jonathan Wilson collected a cache of literature which would be useful to somebody preparing to commit an act of terrorism.

"The information contained within these documents is, put simply, very dangerous so the offences he has pleaded guilty to are incredibly serious."

In December 2023, officers from Cheshire Constabulary executed a warrant at Wilson's address following reports that he had purchased prohibited chemicals without a license.

Upon entering the property, attending officers found materials that could potentially be used to create a homemade explosive device, along with a large amount of literature which provided advice on how to conduct a terrorist attack.

A cordon was put in place to allow for the scene to be examined before it was declared safe following an effective multi-agency response involving Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW), Cheshire Constabulary, the fire service and EOD.

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During the examination of the scene, schematics for a 3D printed firearm were also found to be in Wilson's possession. His conviction for possessing 3D printed firearm schematics is believed to be one of the first prosecuted under the Terrorism Act.

DCS Chadwick added: "His conviction of possessing a schematic for a 3D printed firearm is believed to be one of the first of its kind prosecuted under the Terrorism Act and demonstrates how seriously the police and courts view this activity. Any person found to possess such material can expect to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

"It is important to state that we do not believe he was actively trying to build an explosive device. Nevertheless, the items present at his address caused serious concern, which prompted a swift and effective multi-agency response.

"We welcome the sentence passed today and hope it serves as a deterrent to anyone considering collecting this type of information."

Alongside his prison sentence, Wilson will have an extended license period of 12 months and be subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order for five years and part four notification requirements under the Terrorism Act for ten years upon release.