Three individuals who followed Nazi ideology were apprehended while planning a series of escalating attacks, according to court proceedings. Christopher Ringrose, aged 34, Marco Pitzettu, 25, and Brogan Stewart, 25, were found guilty in May of plotting terrorist assaults on mosques and synagogues. The trio had amassed over 200 weapons, including machetes, swords, crossbows, and an illegal stun gun, despite never meeting in person prior to their court appearance.
At the time of his arrest, Ringrose had already constructed most of a semi-automatic firearm using 3D printing technology and was in the process of acquiring the remaining components. During a nine-week trial, it was revealed that the group revered Hitler and the Nazis, shared racist language, and praised mass murderers.
During a two-day sentencing hearing, prosecutor Jonathan Sandiford KC stated that the three defendants were followers of an extreme right-wing Nazi ideology. He emphasized that they advocated for, encouraged, and glorified violence against individuals of other races whom they perceived as inferior and undeserving of human dignity or life.
Sandiford informed the court that the individuals had shown interest in violent extremist materials depicting mass killings and had gathered a significant amount of weaponry by 2024, with plans to acquire more lethal arms, including firearms and improvised explosives. The trio presented themselves as an armed military group and, by early 2024, were seeking additional members. They were preparing for a series of escalating operations, with the initial target identified as an Islamic education center in Leeds.
The prosecutor highlighted the defendants’ intent to commit acts of extremism involving the killing of multiple victims. Stewart played a leading role and designated the other two as “armorers,” instructing them to produce or obtain firearms and explosives.
During the trial, Sultana Tafadar KC, representing Stewart, argued that many of the discussions referenced by the prosecution were mere fantasies, attributing the defendant’s actions to untreated childhood trauma.
In mitigation for Pitzettu, the court heard of his positive demeanor and attitude in prison, while Ringrose was noted to have distanced himself from the group before their arrest.
The trio was apprehended after security services suspected an imminent attack following the infiltration of their online group by undercover officers. In May, a jury dismissed claims that the defendants were fantasists, finding them guilty of preparing acts of terrorism and collecting information useful for terrorist activities. Ringrose was additionally convicted of manufacturing a prohibited weapon.
The sentencing of the three defendants is scheduled to take place on Friday under the supervision of Judge Mrs. Justice Cutts.