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Neo-Nazi guilty of terror charge after MI5 sting
A neo-Nazi named Alfie Coleman was found guilty of preparing terrorist acts after an MI5 sting in which he attempted to buy a pistol. Authorities described him as a far-right militant with a plan to attack public targets, and he had accumulated extremist materials and a 'race traitors' list. He was convicted after a retrial and faces sentencing in July.
Why It Matters
The case highlights how counter-terrorism forces foil potential attacks and the persistence of homegrown extremism, alongside the role of online material and intercept operations in disrupting plots.
Timeline
3 Events
Convicted after retrial; sentencing scheduled
April 30, 2026
The article reports that Coleman was convicted following a retrial after the jury at the Old Bailey failed to reach a verdict at the first hearing. He was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing to be held on 8 July 2026 at the Old Bailey. Metropolitan Police described him as extremely dangerous.
MI5 sting and arrest in a Morrisons car park, Stratford
September 29, 2023
MI5 officers engaged Coleman in an undercover operation and lured him into attempting to buy a Makarov pistol and ammunition in a Morrisons car park in Stratford, east London. He collected the weapon from a Land Rover and was arrested immediately after. A holdall containing the gun, five magazines and 200 rounds of ammunition was recovered. Searches of his home uncovered a Dylann Roof manifesto, a rock with a swastika, and a neo-Nazi flag; prosecutors described his targets as including the Lord Mayor of London and a mosque. He had a 'race traitors' list and had planned attacks such as placing explosives in a cash machine, hijacking a plane, and using knives and crossbows.
Two days before weapon pickup, Coleman ordered a Gerber knife and wrote 'Something has gotta be done'
September 27, 2023
Two days before the planned purchase of the Makarov pistol, Alfie Coleman wrote 'Something has gotta be done' and placed an online order for a Gerber StrongArm knife.