A man who bought equipment for a banned terrorist organisation that could have been used to make a bomb has been jailed for two years.

Arunachalam Chrishanthakumar, aka AC Shanthan, purchased electronic and computer equipment for members of the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE), known as the Tamil Tigers.

The 52-year-old from Norbury was found guilty of charges relating to conspiracy to receive and receiving property that could be used for terrorism, at Kingston Crown Court on April 17.

A judge at the Old Bailey jailed him for two years for the conspiracy count and one year for receiving property; the sentences will run concurrently.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner John McDowall, head of the Metropolitan Police’s counter terrorism command and senior national co-ordinator counter terrorism, said: “Shanthan bought component parts which have been used in the past by the LTTE to make improvised explosive devices.

“He purchased electrical equipment including circuit boards, GPS and antenna equipment and sent it to Sri Lanka for terrorists to use.

“He spent more than £13,000 in just 14 months on military publications, manuals and guides to be used as reference for military attack planning, yet denied he was involved in any terrorist activity.

“This has been a complex investigation, which has involved a large volume of evidence gathered both in this country and abroad.”

Shanthan, of Upwood Road, Norbury, was arrested by officers from the Met’s counter terrorism command on June 21, 2007.

He was arrested again on May 6 last year.

Police searched his home and found receipts for items including Toughnote laptops – a make suited to outdoor use – head torches, and printed circuit boards.

Lithium coin cell batteries, transceivers, radio equipment, navigation systems and high power magnets intended for Tamil guerrillas in Sri Lanka were also found.

Membership of the LTTE in the UK, including taking part in activities supporting the group, fundraising and procuring equipment for it, was made illegal in 2001.

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