Hitler fanatic, 17, guilty of preparing for terror attacks to spark ‘race war’ by arming neo-Nazi extremists
A TEENAGE Hitler fanatic who offered to build weapons for neo-nazis has been found guilty of terrorism offences.
West Midlands Police seized a haul of knives, shotgun cartridges, bullet casings and air rifles from the teen’s bedroom, plus face coverings and camouflage face paint
The ex Royal Air Cadet, who cannot be named for legal reasons because of his age, had researched how to convert a blank-firing gun into a live weapon.
Cops also found a notebook containing swastikas, details of lone wolf attacks and a mocked up logo representing an extreme right group he wanted to form.
There were also numerous tools, camping equipment and makeshift cardboard targets.
Officers said he ‘declared his heroes’ as Adolf Hitler and influential neo-Nazi James Mason.
They further found more than 90 documents on his mobile phone on firearms, explosives and military tactics, plus "online material with an extreme right wing rhetoric as well as the online chat conversations".
The teen from Rugby, Warwickshire, was remanded in custody following today's verdict at Birmingham Crown Court. He is due to be sentenced on November 6.
West Midlands Police newly tweeted: "A 17-year-old boy with extreme right views who offered to build weapons for individuals online has been found guilty of terrorism offences.
"He became a member of the online extreme right wing group Feuerkrieg Division."
Eleven clips of the New Zealand attacks in Christchurch mosques on 15 March 2019 were also found on his phone together with the shooting in El Paso, Texas on 3 August 2019 and the attacks at the Dayton and Garlic festival and the Anders Breivik attack in Norway.
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Warwickshire Police added that the boy had previously admitted nine counts of collecting terrorism information under section 58 of the Terrorism Act.
An initial trial began earlier this year but the jury was discharged in March due to coronavirus restrictions and the retrial began at the start of September.
Head of West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit Detective Chief Superintendent Kenny Bell, said: "This boy had an unhealthy interest in other attacks across the world and he knew exactly what online platforms to join to share his extreme views.
"He believed he had the skills to convert a blank firing weapon into a viable firearm and was willing to help others with his abilities."
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DCS Bell highlighted the commitment by counter terrorism policing to tackle all forms of extremist ideology.
"We have seen many convictions over the last few years in connection with extreme right wing terrorism and this work continues apace. These extreme groups have the potential to threaten public safety and security.
"We work tirelessly to counter terrorism. Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety and security of the people who live, work and visit the West Midlands area."
