A Muslim convert who plotted a terror attack and expressed a desire to kill Jews has been sentenced to life in prison. Jordan Richardson, 21, known online as 'Anglo Jihadi', was preparing an 'atrocity' with a shopping centre among his potential targets, Leeds Crown Court heard.
Richardson was arrested in December 2024 while travelling to work in Howden, East Yorkshire, carrying instructions for making mustard gas and a note detailing an attack plan. A crossbow was found at his home, and his internet history revealed an affiliation with extreme Islamist ideology.
His potential targets included Meadowhall shopping centre near Sheffield. The court was told he regularly expressed a wish to kill Jews and joked about entering a synagogue wearing a suicide vest. He also searched for how to volunteer for Hamas from the UK.
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb imposed a discretionary life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years, stating Richardson had 'a genuine ideological commitment to violent jihad' and would have carried out an attack within weeks if not for police intervention. The judge noted he was not on a path to deradicalisation.
Richardson, who converted to Islam after his relationship ended, claimed during his trial that his conduct was fantasy and role-playing. However, prosecutors argued he was a radical who intended to put his jihadi fantasies into reality. He was convicted of preparing for acts of terrorism and related offences.
