Warwickshire man jailed after Counter Terrorism investigation
Ben Styles has been jailed for seven years.
A supporter of extreme right-wing ideology has been jailed for making weapons and ammunition and collecting terrorism material.
25-year-old Ben Styles of Plymouth Place, Leamington Spa, was sentenced on Friday (23 June) to seven years in prison.
At an earlier legal hearing in November 2021, Styles admitted three counts of collecting information contrary to section 58 Terrorism Act 2006 (right wing material and instructional firearms documents) and one count of possessing a prohibited weapon contrary to section 5(1a) Firearms Act 1968.
He was sentenced to five years for possessing the prohibited weapon and two years for possessing terrorism material.
He was acquitted of engaging in conduct in preparation for a terrorist act, contrary to section 5(1) of the Terrorism Act 2006 following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court on 15 June.
The jury heard how Styles had acquired various tools including a lathe and a drill press and was making a gun at the time detectives arrested and searched his home.
Prosecutor Matthew Brooks detailed how Styles had travelled to New Zealand shortly before the mosque attack in Christchurch in 2019 but he became fascinated by the attacker collecting his manifesto and a video of the massacre.
Detective Superintendent Anastasia Miller, from CTP West Midlands CTU, said: “Styles’ was making a submachine gun and ammunition, he also knowingly downloaded and possessed extremely distressing and disturbing imagery.
“We will continue to protect local communities by working with partners and the CPS to pursue and prosecute all those who show support for terrorism.
“We work tirelessly to counter terrorism. Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety and security of the people who live, work and visit the West Midlands area."
Assistant Chief Constable David Gardner, counter terrorism lead for Warwickshire Police, said: “The evidence in this case was extremely concerning and clearly demonstrated Styles has an obsession with far right wing ideologies.
“It is vital we all remain vigilant and people report any concerns they have to police.”