A British Army chef has been jailed after wanting to set up a militia. Mark Broadhurst, 28, of Scott Close, Chesterfield, possessed explosives and firearms for terrorist purposes.
He came to the attention of the police after posting in online forums which “demonstrated his racist views and extreme right-wing ideology”. Officers added he also “showed an interest in forming a militia armed force”.
Arrest and weaponry found
He was arrested in September 2024 from his barracks in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire. Counter terror officers found weaponry including: a range of knives and crossbows, black powder, 9mm ammunition, air pistols, rifles and an “improvised homemade cannon” made from a piece of wood, a pipe and duct tape.
Broadhurst was charged in September 2025 with possession of a firearm without a certificate, contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Firearms Act 1968 and making or possession of explosive under suspicious circumstances, contrary to Section 4(1) of the Explosives Substances Act 1883.
Court proceedings and verdict
Broadhurst entered guilty pleas before his trial, but their basis was not accepted by the prosecution, who argued that the possession of the items were for terrorism-related reasons. After a week-long Newton hearing in June, the Judge, Mr Justice Hilliard, retired to consider whether the offending had a terrorism connection.
He returned his verdict on July 29 and concluded he was “satisfied to the criminal standard that one reason for possessing the firearm and gunpowder was to try and ensure that what he was saying, which included the threats of serious violence with the firearm, was taken seriously by the group whose ideologies at that time he wanted to advance”.
Sentence and reaction
Broadhurst was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday, October 14, following a week-long hearing in June this year. He was jailed for three years 10 months and will be subject to a 10-year notification order.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: “Whilst Broadhurst pleaded guilty to these offences, he did not accept that his intent had a terrorist motivation.
“A thorough investigation was conducted which uncovered an extreme right-wing mindset and he was engaging in extensive conversations online with other individuals who hold the similar views. He was proactively ordering components to make explosives, plus he amassed multiple weapons including firearms.
“After hearing the extensive evidence compiled throughout our investigation, the Judge was satisfied his offending had a terrorist connection. I welcome the sentence handed down to Broadhurst which reflects his mindset and the danger he posed to the public.”
