Man who spray-painted swastikas on Welsh landmarks jailed for six years

A man who spray-painted swastikas on Welsh landmarks has been jailed for six years.

Austin Ross of Newport set fire to his old secondary school and a Masonic hall (which had a Star of David on the front), causing tens of thousands of pounds of damage, and spray-painted swastikas on a church, school, the University of South Wales campus and other local landmarks around his hometown. His Facebook account also contained links to a Hitler Youth account.

He is also believed to be a follower of System Resistance Network, the successor to National Action, which the government proscribed as a terrorist organisation in 2016 following a long campaign by Campaign Against Antisemitism and others.

Mr Ross pleaded guilty to fifteen counts, including arson, racially aggravated harassment and racially aggravated damage, and was jailed for six years by Cardiff Crown Court.

Image credit: Gwent Police