In a case that has sent shockwaves through religious and legal communities, a Catholic priest who infiltrated neo-Nazi chatrooms while discussing terrorist attacks against mosques has walked free from court.
Matthew William Tattersall, 38, adopted the sinister online persona of a violent skinhead, spending months in extremist forums where he shared bomb-making instructions and detailed plans to target Islamic places of worship.
Double Life of a Man of the Cloth
The clergyman, who served parishes across Greater Manchester, lived a shocking double life - celebrating Mass by day while descending into dark web extremism by night. Investigators discovered he had accessed racist material and engaged in graphic discussions about violence against minority groups.
Perhaps most disturbingly, Tattersall admitted that his engagement with this vile content was linked to sexual gratification, describing it as part of a "fetish" that drove his online behaviour.
Bomb-Making Manuals and Terror Plans
Evidence presented to Manchester Crown Court revealed the depth of Tattersall's extremism. Among the disturbing material found on his devices were:
- Detailed instructions for constructing explosive devices
- Plans to attack multiple mosques across the UK
- Extensive neo-Nazi propaganda and racist literature
- Graphic violent imagery and hate-filled manifestos
Prosecutors stated that while there was no evidence he had acquired materials to carry out attacks, his online activities demonstrated clear intent and posed significant concern to national security.
Shocking Court Outcome Sparks Outrage
Despite admitting to 13 offences under the Terrorism Act, Tattersall received a two-year suspended sentence - meaning he will not serve immediate prison time. The judge cited his previous good character, mental health issues, and efforts at rehabilitation as mitigating factors.
This lenient sentence has raised serious questions about how the justice system handles cases of religious extremism, particularly when the perpetrator is a member of the clergy.
The Catholic Church has confirmed Tattersall is prohibited from exercising his ministry while undergoing psychological assessment and treatment. Church authorities are conducting their own internal investigation into how such behaviour went undetected for so long.
Counter-terrorism experts have expressed concern about the case, highlighting the growing threat of online radicalisation and the particular danger posed by individuals in positions of trust who embrace extremist ideologies.
