A 21-year-old man from Goole has been discovered responsible of planning a terrorist assault after what police described as a speedy descent into violent extremism impressed by the so-called Islamic State.
Jordan Richardson was convicted at Leeds Crown Court docket on November 3 of getting ready an act of terrorism, in addition to a number of offences of possessing and disseminating terrorist data. He will likely be sentenced on December 15.
Counter Terrorism Policing North East arrested Richardson in December 2024 after an intelligence-led operation uncovered proof that he was planning an assault. Officers discovered handwritten notes in his backpack outlining an assault plan and detailing methods to make mustard fuel. A search of his residence uncovered a crossbow, bolts, and a combat-style knife.
Investigators instructed the court docket that Richardson had transformed to Islam earlier in 2024 and shortly grew to become immersed in extremist ideology. He joined an Instagram group the place he shared propaganda and violent imagery, together with ISIS beheading movies and Al-Qaeda bombmaking manuals. He described himself on-line as a terrorist and mentioned potential targets, together with a purchasing centre.
Richardson additionally researched methods to make explosives and regarded into travelling to battle zones equivalent to Syria, Iraq, and Palestine. Whereas on remand in jail, he instructed a jail officer he was a supporter of Islamic State.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, mentioned Richardson “was impressed by the violent propaganda of the so-called Islamic State” and “was getting ready to conduct an assault on members of the general public, and to grow to be a martyr to others who share his ideology.”
He instructed the court docket that Richardson had blamed social media algorithms for exposing him to extremist content material and claimed he was “position enjoying” on-line. “Finally,” Dunkerley mentioned, “the jury discovered that Richardson was motivated by extremism and was absolutely accountable for his actions.”
He added that the case confirmed how simply people can radicalise by way of on-line content material. “In only a few quick months, Richardson went from being a brand new convert to Islam to being a dedicated and harmful extremist. Working intently with our companions, we had been in a position to cease him earlier than anybody was harmed.”
Dunkerley urged the general public to report suspicious behaviour: “In the event you see or hear one thing that doesn’t really feel proper, belief your instincts and report it in confidence at gov.uk/ACT. All the time dial 999 in an emergency. You received’t be losing our time, and also you may simply assist us to save lots of lives.”