Alfie Coleman, a 21-year-old white supremacist, was found guilty today at the Old Bailey of preparing for terrorist acts. The conviction stems from an undercover operation by MI5 where officers engaged Coleman in encrypted chats as he attempted to acquire weapons. The jury's verdict followed a retrial, culminating in a guilty finding on charges related to planning a mass gun attack. Coleman had previously admitted to attempting to possess a firearm and ammunition but contested the intent behind these actions, specifically denying he was preparing for a terrorist strike. He is currently remanded in custody and faces sentencing on July 8.
Coleman's conviction brings to light a series of concerning discoveries made during the investigation. Prosecutors revealed that raids on his home in Great Notley, Essex, uncovered knives and a rock defaced with a swastika. Furthermore, authorities found numerous downloaded texts, including titles like "The Anarchist Cookbook," "White Resistance Manual," and "The Terrorist Explosives Handbook." Prosecutors presented evidence of Coleman's alleged writings, including a manifesto stating, "All people whom are not on our side must die," and notes plotting to target the "Mayor of London house." Another note indicated a plan for a plane hijacking.
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During the trial, Coleman, then aged 19 when first apprehended, reportedly purchased a Makarov pistol, five magazines, and 188 rounds of ammunition from an undercover officer. His defence suggested he was struggling with loneliness and mental health issues, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdowns. He also reportedly claimed he did not agree with all the extreme right-wing material he consumed and that his views were shifting. However, the prosecution contended that Coleman idolised figures such as Adolf Hitler and Thomas Mair, the perpetrator of the 2016 murder of lawmaker Jo Cox. Bethan David, head of counter terrorism at the Crown Prosecution Service, described Coleman as "a dangerous man who planned to commit a terrorist attack to further his extreme racist and white supremacist agenda."
The case highlights a prolonged period of radicalisation, with authorities stating Coleman had been exposed to extensive extreme right-wing material online since the age of 14. His consumption of such content reportedly intensified during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. Coleman's manifesto included the chilling line: "Someone has to have the bravery to take it to the real world and I guess that has to be me." The jury's reaction during the prosecution's opening, with one member exclaiming "brainwasher," underscores the disturbing nature of the documents presented.
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