A teenage far right terror suspect has admitted possessing a handgun, 200 rounds of ammunition and texts including a “White Resistance Manual” but denies preparing an act of terrorism, a court was told.
Alfie Coleman, 19, of Great Notley in Essex, was detained in a supermarket car park in east London under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 on September 29 last year.
The Metropolitan Police said Coleman was arrested after a year-long investigation into “extreme right-wing terrorism”. He was later charged with 13 terror-related offences including possession of a prohibited firearm — a Makarov semi-automatic pistol — and 200 rounds of 9mm ammunition without a firearms certificate.
Coleman, who was dressed in a grey fleece, appeared at the Old Bailey in London on Monday via video link from HMP Bullingdon in Oxfordshire. He spoke only to confirm his name and enter pleas.
During the short hearing, Coleman formally denied a single charge of preparation of terrorist acts. However, he admitted attempting to possessing a prohibited firearm and ammunition as well as ten offences of possessing a document likely to be useful for terrorist purposes.
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The terror texts include Put ‘em down, take ‘em out: Knife fighting techniques from Folsom Prison; Home workshop explosives by Uncle Fester, and Anarchists Cookbook Version 2000, according to the charge sheet.
Judge Mark Lucraft, KC, the recorder of London, remanded Coleman in custody. A four-week trial is expected to start in October.
Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads the Met’s counter terrorism command, said: “Whilst we can’t comment on the details of the case now legal proceedings are active, I want to reassure the public that we do not believe that there is any enduring threat.”
“Our officers work around the clock to identify and disrupt terrorist activity, but we can only do that with the public’s support and we would ask them to continue to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that doesn’t feel right, then to get in touch.
“You won’t ruin anyone’s life, but you could help save them.”
