A 22-year-old neo-Nazi named Alfie Coleman has been sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison for plotting a mass shooting with guns, following an operation by MI5.
Coleman, originally from Great Notley in Essex, was convicted of preparing for terrorist activities after a retrial at the Old Bailey. Court records indicated that Coleman, who started exploring extreme right-wing content at the age of 14, created a list of individuals at his workplace, including colleagues and customers, whom he labeled with racial slurs or as “race traitors.” He also wrote a manifesto in his diary, identifying potential targets like the Lord Mayor of London and a mosque.
The undercover sting by MI5 revealed Coleman’s intention to purchase weapons as he became more active in online extremist groups. In September 2023, he attempted to acquire firearms in France for an attack on a local mosque but abandoned the plan. The operation culminated in his arrest in a Morrisons car park in Stratford, where he was caught buying a pistol, magazines, and ammunition from an undercover officer.
During a search of Coleman’s residence, authorities uncovered evidence of his extremist views, including admiration for a known extremist who had committed a high-profile murder. Police found a variety of weapons, extremist literature, and devices for surveillance. Electronic devices also revealed his communication with far-right groups and plans for terrorist activities, such as hijackings and bombings.
Coleman, in his defense, cited feelings of loneliness and mental health struggles during lockdowns. He admitted to attempting to acquire a firearm and possessing documents related to terrorism. Counter-terrorism officials emphasized how Coleman’s radicalization occurred online, despite his seemingly normal upbringing and education.
The case highlighted the dangers of online radicalization and the influence of extreme right-wing ideologies on individuals like Coleman.
