An extreme-right wing terrorist was convicted of plotting a terror attack today, after previously admitting to attempting to purchase prohibited gun, 200 rounds of compatible ammunition and several terrorist manuals.  

Alfie Coleman, 21, had previously admitted 12 offences, but was convicted at the Old Bailey today of planning to commit a terrorist attack.  

Coleman was arrested after he attempted to buy a gun and around 200 bullets, which he intended to use to carry out an attack.  

He was discovered by investigators, working under aliases, on online forums and encrypted messaging apps sharing extreme viewpoints, ideologies and seeking to purchase a weapon.  

The Crown Prosecution Service built the case using the evidence gathered by investigators of the detailed plans Coleman had made which showed how he had moved from talk to intention in planning an attack. 

Using notes and conversations found on different encrypted messaging services, the prosecution team could show how Coleman went about sourcing a weapon. This included accessing chat groups dedicated to weapons trafficking across Europe and seeking detailed information on how to avoid border force security.   

On more than one occasion he referenced taking action, or planning an attack, and it was found he had written up a previous plan for a terrorist attack in France.  

Following his arrest, Coleman was found to have terrorist manuals detailing how to make explosives and techniques on close combat killing, alongside manifestos from other right-wing extremists including the Christchurch attacker, Brenton Tarrant.  

He had also compiled a list of data, including car registrations, of people he believed to be ‘race traitors’. This included observations on colleagues and members of the public he encountered through his work in a shop.  

The prosecution created a timeline of Coleman’s activity which demonstrated how he  gradually shared more extreme views, sought advice on planning, considered targets and eventually began to source weaponry, including several knives and the firearm. His purchase of the knives was legal as it took place after he turned 18.  

Bethan David, Head of Counter Terrorism for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Today, a dangerous man who planned to commit a terrorist attack to further his extreme racist and white supremacist agenda, has been convicted.  

“Alfie Coleman took extraordinary measures to plan out his attack in detail and was intent on doing so.  

“He was motivated by an extreme ideology and hatred of people of other races and religions, he was clearly intent on acting on these ideas and causing harm.  

“Today’s guilty verdict, along with his earlier guilty pleas, show that he not only held extreme right-wing beliefs but wanted to act on them to cause pain and suffering. This was fortunately prevented and the public protected due to the work of the policing and prosecution team.”