Royal Barnes, an Islamic extremist previously jailed for inciting violence, has been sent back to prison after failing to comply with the terms of his release in London.
Barnes was initially incarcerated in 2014 for his involvement in mocking the brutal murder of soldier Lee Rigby, filmed by his wife.
His actions, both in 2014 and after his release in 2023, have once again landed him in legal trouble.
Barnes Faces New Charges After Fraudulently Using Bank Details and Fleeing from Police
Following his release in 2023, Barnes was seen driving a hire BMW, an incident that led to his arrest after he fled from the police.
During the pursuit, he discarded a mobile phone that later revealed he had fraudulently used a man’s bank details to order food online.
The case highlights Barnes’ continued criminal activities despite previous convictions and his association with extremist groups.
Judge Labels Barnes’ Offending as Persistent, Discusses His Disregard for Police Authority
In a hearing at the Old Bailey, Judge Angela Rafferty criticized Barnes for his repeated and persistent offenses, including his failure to notify authorities of important personal details as required by the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008.
His anti-authoritarian views and continuous violations of the law led to a stern reminder of his lack of respect for the officers monitoring him.
Prosecutors Reveal Barnes’ Repeated Breaches of Terrorist Notification Requirements
Prosecutor Gareth Weetman outlined how Barnes, who was convicted in 2014 for inciting terrorism, breached his notification requirements shortly after his release.
He failed to inform authorities about his vehicle and a new phone number, violating the conditions set to monitor his activities as a known extremist.
Extremist’s Disturbing Past: Barnes and His Wife’s Celebration of Lee Rigby’s Murder
Barnes’ history of violent extremism includes his infamous celebration of Lee Rigby’s murder in 2013.
Alongside his wife, he posted videos mocking the memorials left for Rigby, openly expressing his approval of the soldier’s death.
His actions in the aftermath of the murder sparked widespread outrage and have continued to shape his criminal record.
Member of ‘Muslim Patrol’ Barnes Has a Long History of Intimidation and Violence in East London
Barnes was an active member of the notorious ‘Muslim Patrol’ group, which sought to enforce radical Islamic practices in East London through intimidation and violence.
He and other members of the group harassed individuals for perceived violations of Islamic law, including drinking alcohol, wearing revealing clothing, or holding hands in public.
Extremist’s Record of Hate: Barnes and Dawson’s Support for Sharia Law in the UK
Barnes and his wife, Rebekah Dawson, used various platforms to advocate for the implementation of Sharia law in the UK.
In videos posted to YouTube after Rigby’s murder, they expressed their extremist views and mocked the tragedy.
Their posts contributed to the growing concern over their influence and the radicalization of others in their community.
Barnes Continues to Display Disregard for Public Safety Despite Past Convictions
Despite his previous convictions and the serious charges against him, Barnes has shown little to no change in his behavior.
He continues to flaunt the law, inciting violence and showing no remorse for his actions.
His latest offenses demonstrate a troubling pattern of recidivism, with little indication that he is rehabilitating or moving away from his extremist beliefs.
Court Hears About Barnes’ Mental Health Issues as Defense Claims He Deserves Rehabilitation
In his defense, Barnes’ lawyer argued that his client’s troubled childhood and mental health issues should be taken into consideration when determining his sentence.
The lawyer suggested that Barnes had the potential for rehabilitation but emphasized that continued imprisonment was not the solution.
His psychological assessment highlighted several challenges, including a learning disability and borderline personality disorder.
Barnes Sentenced to Additional Prison Time for Failing to Comply with Legal Requirements
Royal Barnes was sentenced to an additional four and a half years for his failure to comply with terrorist notification requirements.
This sentence is to run consecutively to a previous sentence of one year for fraud, marking yet another chapter in Barnes’ ongoing criminal career.
The court’s decision highlights the serious nature of his offenses and his persistent threat to public safety.