White supremacist jailed over antisemitic COVID claims

A white supremacist who stirred up racial hatred by printing and delivering leaflets, and posting online false claims that Jewish people were behind a Coronavirus hoax, controlled the media and were evil, has been sentenced to more than eight years' imprisonment, with an extended four-year licence.

Neo-Nazi Matthew Henegan, 36, was convicted of the antisemitic crimes after a trial at the Old Bailey in November. He was sentenced today to an eight year and one month prison term with an extended licence period of four years. He was also made subject to a notification order lasting 30 years.

He had posted the offensive leaflets through the doors of residents of St Neots in Cambridgeshire in March 2020. When police investigated they also found the website with similar racially inflammatory content, swastikas and evidence suggesting he admired Adolf Hitler, describing him as a saviour.

They also found a document entitled ‘how to make armor piercing ammo’. Those bullets would have been useful for a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

Nick Price, head of the CPS Counter Terrorism Division, said: "The vile and insulting language Matthew Henegan used showed the jury his desire to incite others towards the warped racial and antisemitic views he holds.

"Hate crimes - including antisemitism - have a corrosive effect on society. We will always prosecute where there is sufficient evidence to do so."