Alleged co-founder of proscribed neo-Nazi National Action group denies terrorism offences

An alleged co-founder of the proscribed neo-Nazi National Action group has denied seven terror offences.

Ben Raymond, 32, appeared at Bristol Crown Court to enter a plea of not guilty against the charge of membership of a proscribed organisation contrary to Section 11 of the Terrorism Act.

National Action was banned in the UK in 2016 following pressure by Campaign Against Antisemitism.

Mr Raymond also pleaded not guilty to six counts of possessing a document or record of use to a terrorist contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act.

The material allegedly includes documents titled “Ethnic Cleaning Operations”, “2083 – European Declaration of Independence by Anders Breivik”, “Homemade Detonators by Ragnar Benson”, “TM 31-210 Improvised Munitions Handbook”, “Homemade Molotov Cocktail” and “Cluster Bomb”.

Mr Raymond’s trial is expected to begin on 1st November and last for three to four weeks, with the defendant released on conditional bail until then.

Last year, members of the proscribed National Action group were sentenced to prison, having engaged, amongst other activities, in far-right stickering and recruitment campaigns.

Campaign Against Antisemitism has been monitoring and acting against the threat from the far-right for years.