Solihull man who shared neo-Nazi material about Jews sentenced to prison

A man who shared neo-Nazi material about Jews has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of stirring up hatred.

Richard Osborne, 53 from Solihull, shared far-right content which took aim at Jewish people and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

He received a sentence of three years and ten months after he pleaded guilty to two counts of publishing material intended to provoke racial hatred and homophobia.

He also expressed support for the neo-Nazi terrorist group National Action. The group was proscribed by the British Government following repeated calls by Campaign Against Antisemitism and others.

In a search of Mr Osborne’s home, police discovered a shotgun under his bed and he was charged with possession without a license. Additionally, a baton that was made from a metal bar was found in his car, leading to a further charge of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

During a court appearance last month, Mr Osborne pleaded guilty to all charges.

Detective Superintendent Anastasia Miller, from Counter-Terrorism Police West Midlands, said: “By pleading guilty, Osborne admitted he held extreme far-right views and through our investigation we were able to provide clear evidence he supported white supremacists as well as a proscribed far-right group banned by the Government. Someone who holds extreme views against those that don’t look like him or hold the same views is not welcome in our society. 

“Today’s sentence should be a clear message to those who intend to spread hate and terror, we will continue to work with partners and the CPS to protect our communities by pursuing and prosecuting such individuals. 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.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism closely monitors the far-right, which remains a dangerous threat to the Jewish community and other minority groups.

Image credit: West Midlands Police