Neo-Nazi terror cell jailed for total of 31 years
Four members of a neo-Nazi gang who shared antisemitic material with each other via the social media platform Telegram have been jailed for a total of 31 years.
The group was convicted under anti-terrorism and firearms legislation in March following a two-month trial.
Concerns had previously been raised over the alleged increase in neo-Nazi content on Telegram. Last year, the far-right group Patriotic Alternative was found to have created neo-Nazi channels dedicated to sharing vile messages, antisemitic conspiracy theories, and images glorifying Hitler.
Samuel Whibley, 29, Daniel Wright, 30, Liam Hall, 31, and Mr Hall’s girlfriend Stacey Salmon, 29, were convicted of fifteen offences, including counts relating to the encouragement of terrorism and the publication and dissemination of materials related to it, as well as firearms offences.
The jury at Sheffield Crown Court heard that all four defendants shared antisemitic videos, memes, and images, including material celebrating Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. Ms Hall confessed to finding material online in which Jews were alleged to control the media and banks, as well as to watching videos made by neo-Nazis in an attempt to see “both sides of the argument” about Hitler.
The court heard that the group communicated with each other using a public Telegram channel set up by Mr Whibley under the name Oaken Hearth. This was, jurors heard, used as “a gathering place for British white nationalists.” Mr Whibley then audited prospective members, who had to prove they were white by taking a selfie before answering questions about their involvement in neo-Nazi groups.
Mr White joined the chat using the name “Gott Mit Uns”, words found on the belts of Nazi soldiers during the Second World War.
The group also shared racist material aimed at Black people, while Mr Whibley reportedly praised Christchurch mosque shooter Brenton Tarrant, Norwegian neo-Nazi terrorist Anders Breivik, and Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh.
During the trial, jurors heard that a partially constructed 3D-printed gun was found at Mr Hall’s and Ms Salmon’s home in Keighley, with experts assessing that, once completed, the gun could prove lethal. Other weapons and guides were also reportedly recovered from the gang.
Mr Wright was found guilty of seven offences, including an offence of manufacturing a firearm, and was jailed for twelve years. Mr Hall was found guilty of manufacturing a firearm and possessing a firearm, and was jailed for six years, while Ms Salmon was convicted of possessing a firearm and was jailed for three years. Mr Whibley was found guilty of eight terrorism offences, including the encouragement of terrorism and the dissemination of a terrorist publication, and was jailed for ten years.
Campaign Against Antisemitism closely monitors the far-right, which remains a dangerous threat to the Jewish community and other minority groups.
Image credit: Counter Terrorism Policing Northeast
