A man with an extreme-right wing mindset has today (26/2) been sentenced to three years and four months’ imprisonment for terrorism offences.

Following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE), Nicholas Gilpin, of Dippingwell Court, Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court.

The 23-year-old was convicted of four counts of possessing terrorist information, contrary to section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000; encouragement of terrorism, contrary to section one of the Terrorism Act 2006; and two counts of stirring up racial hatred, following a four-week trial at the same court which concluded on 23 October.

CTPSE officers arrested Gilpin at a property in the Hereford area on 18 October 2021 where they seized his electronic devices.

Following examination of the devices, a number of documents containing racist and anti-Semitic rhetoric were found along with instructions on how to kill people with close combat weapons, details on how to use weapons and make explosives, chemical weapons and firearms. There were also instructions on how to commit other illegal activities.

Gilpin was also found to have distributed videos and written material on the Telegram messaging app which intended to stir up racial hatred or was likely to do so. On 16 March 2021, Gilpin published a statement on the same online app to encourage terrorism.

He was charged in connection with the offences on 20 January 2023.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing South East Detective Chief Superintendent Claire Finlay, said: “From our investigation it is clear that Gilpin held an extreme right-wing ideology – sharing his racist and anti-Semitic views with others online – and was in possession of terrorist documents which had the sole aim of causing harm to our society.

“Unfortunately, Gilpin is not the only individual sharing this kind of dangerous content online which can and does encourage terrorism and may be seen and acted upon by those vulnerable to radicalisation. Please remain vigilant when you are online and stay alert to anyone around you who may be getting drawn into extreme content on the Internet.”

Anyone who sees or hears something that could be terrorist-related should call police in confidence on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Visit gov.uk/ACT for more information, including how to report extremist or terrorist content that is online. You can use resources such as Internet Matters for practical safety advice and seek early help if you are worried about radicalisation – visit ACT Early for guidance.