Man in court accused of encouraging terrorism over alleged Telegram posts

Paul Martin, 59, appeared in court charged with encouraging terrorism, possessing articles for the purposes of terrorism, and possessing a stun gun.

Paul Martin appeared at the Old Bailey (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (PA Wire)

A man has been appeared at the Old Bailey accused of encouraging terrorism over alleged social media posts about starting an armed uprising against the UK government during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Paul Martin, 59, appeared in court on Friday charged with encouraging terrorism, possessing articles for the purposes of terrorism, and possessing a stun gun.

His trial was set for October 13 at the same of the court and a preliminary hearing was listed for July 4.

It is alleged that Martin, of Suffolk Road, Croydon, posted messages in a Telegram group called “The Resistance UK” under the username “Perpetual Truth”.

Between December 15 2020 and September 29 2021, he allegedly discussed gathering a militia and weapons and attacking members of government and intervening police.

Martin is further charged with possessing a dagger, a knife, two crossbows and crossbow bolts which gave rise to a reasonable suspicion that he intended to use them for the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorist acts.

The charge spans the same time period.

He is also charged with possessing a weapon on September 28 2021 that discharged a noxious liquid, gas or other thing, namely a stun gun.

Martin was conditionally released to next appear in court for the preliminary hearing.