Harry Whittaker, a neo-Nazi who fantasised about turning Muslims into “mincemeat” and called for Tommy Robinson to lead a civil war, has been jailed for three years and nine months.
The unemployed heroin user manufactured explosives in the garden shed of the home he shared with his mother and spoke about plans to drive a tank into a mosque during Friday prayers.
He was convicted at the Old Bailey of possessing and making explosives.
The court heard about the racist and violent messages he shared with his family.
“Muslims turn my stomach,” he wrote to his father.
Another message read: “We need a tank covered in machine guns and flame throwers, drive it into that mosque on Friday afternoon and turn them into mincemeat.”
Messages to his brother included calls for Tommy Robinson to lead a “civil war” and “kick out” Asian people from Britain.
Jurors heard that a search of Whittaker’s bedroom uncovered Nazi-era imagery, including a photograph of Adolf Hitler, flags associated with Nazi Germany, and swastikas.
Whittaker only came to police attention after paramedics treated him for injuries linked to exposure to chemicals he had been handling.
The incident comes amid wider concern about the growth of far-right activity in the UK and the increasingly normalised use of anti-Muslim rhetoric in public discourse, which experts warn fuels radicalisation among some.
According to the most recent figures from the Home Office’s Prevent programme, referrals linked to far-right extremism continued to outnumber those associated with so-called Islamist extremism last year.
Making improvised explosive devices
During his trial, Whittaker described himself as a “nerdy” science enthusiast.
At sentencing, prosecutor Emily Dummett outlined further evidence of his extremist views. She said Whittaker continued to express extreme views after his conviction and failed to demonstrate insight into the seriousness of his actions.
In mitigation, defence counsel Polly Dyer said Whittaker’s interest in explosives stemmed from “scientific interest” and argued that the materials involved were low-level. She told the court there was no proven link between the explosives offences and an intention to carry out a violent attack.
Sentencing, Judge Simon Mayo KC told Whittaker: “I am sure your conduct in making and possessing explosives gave rise to risk of harm to others. Whilst I cannot be sure you had formed any separate intent to use the explosives or chemicals for a violent purpose you spoke about it and to a certain extent contemplated it.”
Chief Superintendent Jaki Whittred, from Bedfordshire Police, said: “The upset and disruption within the local community following the findings at Mr Whittaker’s address was considerable. Once again, I pass on my thanks and admiration to residents across Caddington for their support and understanding during what would have been a deeply concerning time.”
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “By making improvised explosive devices and collecting such a toxic array of chemicals his shed, Whittaker’s actions were incredibly reckless and put his whole neighbourhood at risk.
“Whittaker claimed he just had a curiosity with science and that he meant no harm, but in reality he put himself, his family and all of his neighbours in great peril.”
Image credit: Bedfordshire Police
