A 17-year-old neo-Nazi who plotted a terror attack targeting schools, pubs and post offices in Durham has been sentenced to six years and eight months in custody. The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was the youngest person convicted of planning a terrorist attack in the UK.
Police discovered a cache of far-right literature in his bedroom, including a document detailing plans for an arson campaign against synagogues, as well as a 'guerrilla warfare' manual. Analysis of his devices revealed he had researched firearms, explosives and knives.
During sentencing at Manchester Crown Court, the judge described the defendant as 'highly intelligent' but possessing 'contempt for Jewish people, black people, gay people and disabled people'. The court heard of his admiration for Adolf Hitler and fixation on the Columbine high school massacre.
The teenager was convicted in November after a six-week trial of preparing terrorist acts, disseminating a terrorist publication, possessing an article for terrorism, and three counts of possessing documents useful for terrorism. He will also serve five years on licence after release.
His defence argued that his autism should be considered a mitigating factor, with a psychiatric assessment suggesting his cognitive age was significantly affected. The defendant claimed his far-right persona was adopted for 'shock value' and he had no intention of carrying out attacks. The judge acknowledged his autism and a letter of remorse in sentencing, but noted the boy's young age as a 'most disturbing' aspect.
