Man with an extreme right-wing ideology convicted of terrorism offences
Man with an extreme right-wing ideology convicted of terrorism offences
A man with an extreme right-wing ideology has been convicted of terrorism offences, following an investigation by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) supported by colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing South West (CTPSW).
Gabriel Budasz, of Drove Road, Weston-Super-Mare, was found guilty at Winchester Crown Court of:
- One count of dissemination of a terrorist publication contrary to section 2(1) and 2(2)(e) Terrorism Act 2006;
- Four counts of encouraging terrorism contrary to section 1(2) of the Terrorism Act 2006;
- One count of sending an electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety contrary to section 1(1)(b) of the Malicious Communications Act 1988.
Budasz pleaded guilty to six counts of possession of information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000, at a previous court hearing at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) on 22 December last year. These offences related to the possession of a video and documents.
On 1 August 2023 officers executed a search warrant at the home of Budasz. Various items of an extreme right wing nature including books, masks and memorabilia were seized along with a 3D printed firearm, Budasz’s mobile and computer devices.
The 24-year-old was found to have a video related to making an explosive device and shared with others a different video, which was also about making an explosive device.
Investigating officers from CTPSE were also assisted by Avon and Somerset Police.
Budasz is due to be sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on 25th October.
Head of CTPSE, Detective Chief Superintendent Olly Wright, said:
“Budasz shared documents and video footage with others, including details on how to make explosives. The material contained his extreme right-wing views encouraging violence to further the hateful ideology which he espoused.
“Making this kind of content available online spreads and encourages terrorist ideology and is incredibly dangerous to those vulnerable to radicalisation. Unfortunately, the harm that can be caused by those who seek to provoke violence online to further their cause has been only too evident across the country in recent weeks.
“This case should serve as a warning to others that we will continue to take robust action against those who commit these serious and harmful offences.”
