Following a nine-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court, three individuals with neo-Nazi affiliations have been convicted and sentenced for conspiring to execute terror attacks targeting mosques and synagogues, driven by extremist beliefs in an impending “race war.”
Christopher Ringrose, aged 34, along with Marco Pitzettu and Brogan Stewart, both 25, were found guilty of preparing terrorist acts and gathering information to facilitate terrorism. Prosecutors revealed that the group amassed an arsenal exceeding 200 weapons, including blades, swords, protective gear, and a stun gun. Notably, Ringrose had 3D-printed key parts of a semi-automatic weapon, which authorities warned could have led to catastrophic outcomes.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, leading Counter Terrorism Policing North East, explained that the arrests came after investigators observed a shift from extremist rhetoric to tangible plans. “We identified the construction of a firearm and noticed their conversations intensifying in hatred, with a focus on selecting real-world targets such as synagogues, Islamic centers, mosques, or educational institutions,” he stated. “This escalation marked a critical moment prompting immediate intervention to safeguard the public. This was no mere fantasy.”
During sentencing, Mrs Justice Cutts highlighted the defendants’ far-right convictions, extensively documented in a 374-page dossier. The files exposed their veneration of Adolf Hitler and fixation on white supremacy. “The content was saturated with animosity towards Black people, Muslims, immigrants, and other non-white groups,” she remarked. “Their ideology embraced notions of racial purity and anticipated an imminent race war.” The dossier also contained glorifications of Hitler, the Nazi Party, and mass murderers who targeted Black and Muslim communities.
Although the judge acknowledged that an attack was not immediately forthcoming, she emphasized the growing threat. “Fortunately, law enforcement’s vigilance prevented their plans from advancing further. Nonetheless, I am convinced a terrorist act was likely in the near future,” she affirmed.
Sentences were handed down as follows: Ringrose received 10 years, Pitzettu 8 years, and Stewart 11 years in prison, each accompanied by an extended licence period reflecting the ongoing risk they pose.
Prosecutor Jonathan Sandiford KC described how the trio established an online collective named Einsatz 14, which they portrayed as a network of “like-minded extremists” preparing for racial conflict. “These defendants identified as National Socialists, or Nazis, supporting the UK’s National Socialist movement and anticipating a race war between white people and other ethnic groups,” he explained.
Stewart, who assumed the self-styled role of “Führer” within the group, posted online statements such as, “Hitler did more for his people than any politician. It is outrageous for Britain to be led by a p*** and Zionist.” In another message on Telegram, he asserted, “Nazis wanted what’s best for white people.”
The prosecutor further disclosed that Stewart shared plans to attack mosques, Islamic educational centers, and similar venues, even providing an undercover officer-posing as a fellow extremist-with details of a specific location in Leeds. Stewart reportedly said, “It depends how far we are willing to go. It could be a beating with batons and bats or something more serious.”
After sentencing, Detective Chief Superintendent Dunkerley stressed that the defendants’ conduct extended well beyond hateful online rhetoric. “These individuals united in a digital space fueled by extreme racial hatred,” he said. “They idolized the Nazi Party, and their extremist views were reinforced within this online environment. They were actively preparing for a real-world attack. Without our intervention, the consequences could have been fatal.”
The three men, who had never met face-to-face before their arrest, were apprehended after undercover officers infiltrated their encrypted communications, where they discussed weapons, ideology, and potential targets. Authorities believe their prompt action averted a terrorist incident on UK soil.
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