Collection of Information Useful for Terrorism (Section 58 Terrorism Act 2000)

Collection of Information Useful for Terrorism is an offence under s.58 Terrorism Act 2000. A person commits the offence if he collects or makes a record of information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, possesses a document or record containing information of that kind, or views or otherwise accesses by means of the internet a document or record containing information of that kind (s.58(1)). Collecting or making a record includes doing so by means of the internet, whether by downloading the record or otherwise (s.58(1A)). "Record" includes a photographic or electronic record (s.58(2)). It is a defence to prove a reasonable excuse for the action or possession (s.58(3)). Maximum sentence: on conviction on indictment, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 15 years, a fine or both; on summary conviction, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or both (s.58(4)).

In practice

This is an either-way offence: it may be tried at the magistrates' court or the Crown Court. Detention is governed by Schedule 8 Terrorism Act 2000, not standard PACE provisions.A review officer must periodically review detention: an officer of at least the rank of inspector for a review within 24 hours of arrest, and of at least the rank of superintendent for any later review (Schedule 8, para 24).