On 24 October 2025, Cheema-Grubb J sentenced the first two defendants convicted under the National Security Act 2023, together with four co-defendants.
In March 2024, Dylan Earl was recruited by the Wagner Group – a proscribed terrorist organisation with close ties to the Russian state – to carry out an arson attack on a warehouse in East London. The occupants were involved in the distribution of Starlink satellite equipment and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Mr Earl subsequently enlisted Jake Samuel Reeves, who in turn recruited three men to execute the attack.
Following the successful arson attack on 20 March 2024, Mr Earl, again acting under the direction of the Wagner Group, took preparatory steps to commit further arson attacks targeting a restaurant and wine shop, and to kidnap their owner, a Russian dissident who had publicly criticised the war and organised aid deliveries to Ukraine. Mr Reeves agreed to accept money from a foreign intelligence service in return for taking part in the second plot.
Mr Earl pleaded guilty to aggravated arson and an offence of preparatory conduct contrary to s.18 NSA 2023. Mr Reeves pleaded guilty to aggravated arson and agreeing to accept a material benefit from a foreign intelligence, contrary to s.17 NSA 2023.
Three other men were convicted of aggravated arson following a trial in June 2024. A sixth man was convicted following a trial of failing to disclose information about the second plot to the police.
Mr Earl was sentenced to an extended sentence of 23 years’ imprisonment. Mr Reeves was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment as an offender of particular concern.
Duncan Penny KC and Adam Payter represented the prosecution.
Further details about the case can be found on the BBC
