Alfie Coleman, now 22, was sentenced to 13-and-a-half years in prison with an additional five years on licence at the Old Bailey on July 8 after being found guilty of planning a terrorist attack. The plot was foiled when he unknowingly purchased a gun from undercover MI5 operatives in a Morrisons car park.
Radicalisation and Plot Details
Coleman, of Essex, began to become radicalised online from the age of 14, adopting extreme right-wing ideologies. He planned to murder innocent members of the public. In September 2023, aged 19, he exchanged £3,500 for a Makarov pistol and ammunition in a car park in Stratford, East London. As he walked away with the bag containing the deadly items, he was immediately swarmed by armed officers and arrested.
Counter Terrorism Policing London and MI5 had become suspicious of his activity and had been liaising with him through undercover operatives.
Evidence and Conviction
Following his arrest, detectives found a number of extremist and terrorist-related documents, including a copy of a notorious extreme-right wing terrorist text and a manifesto-style document written by Coleman. Various versions of his 'Diary' outlined his perceived grievances, heavily influenced by extremist ideologies, and his plans and intentions to carry out an attack. He had also downloaded manuals on how to use and make weapons and explosives.
Coleman pleaded guilty to several other offences, including collecting information likely to be useful for terrorism, attempted possession of a firearm, and attempted possession of ammunition. He was found guilty of the preparation of terrorist acts. He was sentenced to a total of 10 years and two months in prison, to be served concurrently to his sentence for the section 5 offence. He must serve at least two thirds of the custodial period in jail and will be subject to a Part 4 notification order, requiring him to share personal information with the police for 30 years.
Police Warning to Parents
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said she had 'little doubt that the brilliant work of all involved has prevented what could have been a real tragedy'. She added that 'sadly we're seeing more and more examples of young people and children being drawn into violent extremism and terrorism this way'.
Counter Terrorism Policing urged parents and guardians to be aware of the signs of radicalisation after the investigation found Coleman had begun to become radicalised from the age of 14. Commander Flanagan said: 'This is why I'm urging parents and carers to make sure that you are aware of what your children are doing online. While it may be difficult, it is vital that you have conversations with them, and if you are still concerned, then ACT Early and get in touch, so that they can be steered down a different path before it is too late.'
If you are worried about someone, visit the ACT Early website or call the Act Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to speak with specially trained officers.
