A dangerous neo-Nazi terror cell has been dismantled after its members plotted a campaign of escalating violence across Britain, with a judge condemning their ideology as "evil and wicked."
Four adherents of the banned extremist group National Action received prison sentences totaling over 14 years for their roles in the conspiracy. The group had been actively planning attacks and sharing extremist material while glorifying Hitler's regime.
The Mastermind and His Followers
Nathan Pryke, 28, described as the "lynchpin" of the operation, received a five-year sentence after admitting to terrorism offences. His co-conspirators - 18-year-old driver Brody McPherson, 25-year-old Joel Wilmore, and 21-year-old Amber Wallace - were also handed significant prison terms.
Detective Chief Superintendent Martin Snowden of Counter Terrorism Policing North East revealed the chilling extent of their plans: "They had a clear intent to escalate their activities, moving from sharing extreme ideology to planning actual attacks."
Chilling Evidence Uncovered
Investigators discovered a trove of disturbing evidence including:
- Instructions for creating deadly weapons and explosives
- Extensive neo-Nazi propaganda and recruitment materials
- Detailed discussions about potential targets and attack methods
- Celebrations of historical Nazi atrocities
The court heard how Pryke had been actively radicalising younger members, with McPherson falling under his influence while still a teenager.
A Pattern of Extremism
This case represents another successful prosecution against National Action, which was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in 2016. The group has continued to operate under various aliases, prompting ongoing vigilance from counter-terrorism authorities.
Judge Paul Watson KC delivered a stark warning during sentencing, emphasising that the group's ideology "strikes at the very heart of our democratic values and principles of mutual trust and respect upon which our society is based."
The successful investigation and prosecution demonstrate the continued effectiveness of the UK's counter-terrorism strategy in identifying and neutralising far-right threats before they can cause harm to the public.
