Terror Sympathiser Back Behind Bars for Breaching Notification Requirements and Fraud

London, UK - Royal Barnes, 34, a known terrorist sympathiser who previously glorified the murder of British soldier Drummer Lee Rigby, has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for breaching notification requirements and committing fraud. Barnes was handed the sentence at the Old Bailey on March 28th, following his guilty plea on October 25th of last year.

Barnes first came to the attention of authorities after the 2013 murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich. He was convicted in March 2014 of inciting terrorism overseas and three counts of transmitting a terrorist publication. He had produced and shared videos showing footage of the scene and calling for British-based Muslims to fight the government. This resulted in a five-year, four-month prison sentence.

Following his release in September 2016, Barnes was recalled to prison in June 2017 for violating his licence after being found in possession of an undeclared iPhone. He was released again in May 2019, at which point he became subject to a number of ‘Part 4’ notification requirements, designed to monitor and manage individuals posing a potential risk to national security.

On October 26, 2023, Barnes was arrested for breaches of these notification requirements, specifically relating to the use of a vehicle, a mobile phone, and an email account. Further investigation also revealed his involvement in fraudulent activity related to the possession of bank cards.

The recent sentencing saw Barnes receive three-and-a-half years in prison for the two breaches of his notification requirements. A further 12 months, to be served consecutively, were added for the fraud offence, bringing the total prison term to four-and-a-half years.

Barnes will be required to serve at least two thirds of his sentence in custody before being considered for parole. His case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to monitor and manage individuals who pose a risk to national security, and the consequences for failing to comply with legal obligations.