Parole Board holds first public parole review hearing for prisoner convicted of a terrorism offence
27 January 2026
Garden Court North’s Alexa Thompson represented the prisoner at the public hearing in front of the Parole Board, headquartered at 10 South Colonade, London. Credit: Lubo Ivanko / Shutterstock.
In January 2026, the Parole Board of England and Wales held its first public parole review hearing for a prisoner convicted of a terrorism offence, Mr Oliver Lewin.
Mr Lewin had been convicted of engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts, contrary to section 5 Terrorism Act 2006. He received a sentence for offenders of particular concern (SOPC), with a custodial element of six years and six months, and an extended licence period of one year.
Mr Lewin maintains his innocence and has lodged an application with the Criminal Cases Review Commission in respect of the index offence.
In December 2025, the Parole Board considered Mr Lewin’s application for release, at an in-person public hearing then a subsequent closed session. The Panel heard evidence from Mr Lewin’s Prison Offender Manager (POM), Community Offender Manager (COM), and a forensic psychologist who had compiled a report analysing Mr Lewin’s risk factors.
In January 2026, the Parole Board decided not to make a direction for release. Mr Lewin has applied for this decision to be reconsidered.
Garden Court North’s Alexa Thompson represented Mr Lewin at the public hearing and assisted him in his application for reconsideration. She was instructed by Rob Hill at Broudie Jackson Canter Solicitors.
As part of Garden Court North’s prison law team, Alexa acts for prisoners in hearings before the Parole Board, in judicial review challenges, and in civil claims against the Ministry of Justice.
Additional media
BBC News – Phone mast plotter ‘no longer a risk to the public’
Sky News – Terrorist parole case becomes first to be heard in public
For further information, please contact Alex Blair, Communications Manager at Garden Court North Chambers: ablair@gcnchambers.co.uk
