A man has been convicted of a terrorism offence after performing a Nazi salute within the hallowed halls of the Old Bailey, one of Britain's most famous courts.
Joshua Spencer, 24, from Market Drayton, Shropshire, was found guilty at the same court where he committed the offence earlier this year. The gesture was described by prosecutors as a 'calculated display of hatred and alignment with a racist ideology'.
The incident occurred on 10th May during an unrelated court hearing. Spencer, who was present as a spectator, stood up and deliberately performed the salute in a clear and public demonstration.
'A calculated display of hatred'
Detective Superintendent Damian Barratt, from the West Mercia Police Counter Terrorism Unit, emphasised the severity of the action. 'There is no place for such behaviour in our society,' he stated. 'This was a deliberate and calculated act designed to cause fear and promote a racist ideology.'
The court heard how the gesture was not a spontaneous act but a premeditated one, intended to intimidate and express support for Nazi ideology within a building that symbolises British justice.
Swift police response and conviction
Spencer was quickly identified and arrested by police. He was charged with expressing an opinion or belief supportive of a proscribed organisation, namely the Nazi regime, contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000.
Following the trial, he was remanded in custody and is awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for a later date. The conviction sends a strong message that such displays of hate will be met with the full force of the law.
The Old Bailey, officially known as the Central Criminal Court, has witnessed some of the most significant trials in British history. This incident serves as a stark reminder that the fight against extremism and hate speech remains a contemporary issue for the UK's justice system.
