Overview of the case
Three men linked by extreme right-wing views have been jailed for a total of 29 years after plotting terrorist attacks aimed at places of worship. Brogan Stewart, Marco Pitzettu, and Christopher Ringrose were convicted at Sheffield Crown Court for preparing acts of terrorism and possessing information useful to terrorism. Prosecutors described a disturbing trajectory from online extremism to real-world planning, with the men stockpiling weapons and equipping themselves for violent action against Muslim and Jewish communities.
The suspects and their roles
Prosecutors said the group shared a fascination with bushcraft and “preppers” culture, using online spaces to recruit an inner circle before forming their own private group. Stewart acted as a self-appointed leader and appointed Ringrose and Pitzettu as “armourers.” The trio discussed acquiring a uniform and identifying targets, including mosques and synagogues, as part of a plan to trigger a violent confrontation guided by their racist ideology.
What they amassed and planned
Investigators described an alarming array of weaponry: more than 200 weapons including crossbows, swords, machetes, axes, hunting knives, and an almost complete FGC-9 Mk II 3D-printed assault rifle. The rifle’s barrel and firing pin were missing, but prosecutors stressed the men were actively sourcing components to complete it, which could have produced devastating consequences if used in an attack. The possession of such gear highlighted the group’s intent to wage violence rather than merely express extremist views.
How the plot unfolded and was foiled
The investigation intensified after an undercover officer infiltrated the group on 5 January last year. In encrypted chats, Stewart expressed frustration with other far-right groups that “sit around and talk,” insisting he wanted to form an action-focused faction. A February 5 group call discussed “cruising around” to find “human targets” near an Islamic education centre in Leeds, with a debrief back at a member’s home for medals and a plan for accountability. The plan never proceeded to action, but authorities moved quickly when the operation went ahead in February and arrests followed on 20 February across Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire.
Legal findings and sentences
In May, a jury found all three men guilty of preparing acts of terrorism and possessing information useful to terrorism. Ringrose was additionally convicted of manufacturing the lower receiver for a 3D firearm, and Pitzettu pleaded guilty to possessing a stun gun. Judge Mrs Justice Cutts handed down sentences of 11 years to Stewart, eight to Pitzettu, and 10 to Ringrose. The judge indicated that the trio remained committed to their extremist beliefs, reinforcing the view that their intentions were not merely fantasies but a real potential for violence.
Reactions and implications
Det Chief Supt James Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, described the trio as united by “extreme racist views.” He warned that without action by authorities, the group could have carried out deadly attacks targeting communities. The case underscores concerns about the online-to-offline pipeline of extremist content, where discussions can escalate into concrete readiness to act. It also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in monitoring and disrupting violent plots while safeguarding civil liberties.
Context and what this means going forward
Authorities stress that this verdict serves as a warning to others engaging in or promoting extremist violence. As social networks and encrypted platforms continue to facilitate hidden networks, the collaboration between investigators and communities remains crucial. Counter-terrorism efforts will continue to focus on detecting early signs of radicalisation and intercepting weapons procurement before violent plans can be realized. This case serves as a reminder that the threat from far-right extremism persists and requires sustained vigilance from security services and the public alike.
Closing thoughts
The sentencing marks a significant step in holding individuals accountable for attempting to sow fear and hatred through violence. While laws and policing evolve, the need for resilience against extremist ideology remains essential to protect diverse, open communities from harm.
