A convicted terrorist who planned to bomb communication masts across Britain is attempting to overturn his conviction, claiming he was the victim of a police sting operation.
Appeal Lodged Amid Parole Refusal
Parole Board documents have revealed that Oliver Lewin, 41, has lodged an application with the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). He disputes his 2023 conviction, asserting he was "subject to entrapment by the police" during the investigation that led to his arrest.
This appeal comes after a Parole Board hearing last month, which concluded that Lewin must remain behind bars. The panel determined his "risk to the public would be greater than minimal if he were to be released". A prison psychologist involved stated they did not yet have a full understanding of his risk level.
Extremist Ideology and Concrete Plans
Lewin, from Coalville, Leicestershire, was sentenced to six years in prison at Birmingham Crown Court after being found guilty of engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts. His plot targeted phone, TV, and radio masts, with the aim of crippling national infrastructure.
His extremist ideology was fuelled by a web of dangerous conspiracy theories. He believed the UK was controlled by "Jewish elites" reporting to Israel and that the Covid-19 vaccine was a tool for genocide orchestrated by Boris Johnson's government. Lewin thought the vaccine was designed to systematically kill white people across Europe, paving the way for a Chinese communist system in Britain.
His plans moved from online rhetoric to real-world action. Police arrested him on August 25, 2021, as his preparations accelerated. He had conducted reconnaissance on communication masts, sending images with drawings indicating where to cut cables, accompanied by messages like "chop here, job done".
Evidence of Preparation and Recruitment
Lewin's activities were extensive and meticulous:
- He compiled a list of essentials needed for the attacks.
- He began writing a manual for potential supporters, completing four of a planned 17 chapters.
- He attempted to recruit others, including one individual who was 16 or 17 years old at the time.
- He tried to persuade undercover police officers to target a major transmitter in Sutton Coldfield, which serves 4.2 million homes.
Following his arrest, a search of his home uncovered military-style equipment including a lock knife, camouflage clothing, camping gear, and two air rifles fitted with telescopic sights.
Risk Management and Future Prospects
The Parole Board noted that Lewin's risk is highest when he is online and alone, with his offending being "internet-based". Had he been released, a stringent risk management plan would have been enforced, including:
- Restrictions on internet access.
- Controls on mobile phone use.
- GPS tagging for 12 months while residing at Probation Approved Premises.
At his hearing, Lewin told the panel he now feels "a healthy amount of respect" for Jewish people. However, the Board's decision underscores the ongoing concern about his dangerous beliefs and the concrete steps he took to act upon them. His fate now rests with the CCRC's review of his entrapment claims.
