Elham Asaad Buaras
Three men who plotted a terrorist attack on a mosque and Islamic centre in Leeds have been sentenced to a combined 29 years in prison for their involvement in an extreme right-wing Nazi group.
Brogan Stewart, 25, from Tingley, Marco Pitzettu, 26, from Derby, and Christopher Ringrose, 35, from Cannock, were convicted in May after a nine-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court of planning acts of terrorism alongside multiple terrorism and firearms offences.
Sentencing the group on October 17, the court imposed an 11-year custodial term with eight years extended licence on Stewart, eight years imprisonment with five years extended licence on Pitzettu, and ten years custody with five years extended licence on Ringrose. All three are subject to Serious Crime Prevention Orders for five years and must comply with terrorism notification requirements for three decades.
The investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East revealed the men participated in what they described as a “militant” online group that served as an echo chamber for extreme right-wing ideology. Within this digital space, they exchanged racist slurs, glorified mass murderers and encouraged violence against perceived enemies.
Evidence presented during the trial showed the group idolised the Nazi regime, with Stewart establishing group rules, uniforms and equipment requirements while designating Pitzettu and Ringrose as “armourers”. Their discussions identified potential targets including mosques, Islamic education centres and synagogues.
Honourable Justice Cutts DBE, addressing the defendants during sentencing remarks, stated: “All three of you adhere to an extreme right-wing ideology. I say adhere in the present tense as it is clear… that remains the case… Those who are within the extreme right wing do not want to work within the democratic process… but to use any means necessary, including violence.”
The judge continued: “Your thoughts… were all laid bare… filled with hate towards… especially Muslim people and immigrants… you Stewart saying that you wanted to put Muslims down for a forever nap… you Pitzettu being sick of… ‘the niggers and the pakis’… cleanse England… sharing… Brenton Tarrant [mosque attacks]… targeting mosques, Islamic Education Centres.”
Police arrested the group on February 20, 2024, after intelligence uncovered their preparations for a violent attack. Subsequent searches of their properties uncovered over 200 weapons including machetes, hunting knives, swords and crossbows, alongside riot gear, body armour and ration packs.
The investigation further revealed Pitzettu had obtained an illegal stun gun, contrary to the Firearms Act 1968, to which he pleaded guilty prior to trial. Ringrose was convicted of manufacturing a 3D-printed firearm, which prosecutors noted could have had “devastating consequences” had he completed its construction.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, stated: “Stewart, Pitzettu, and Ringrose have rightfully been convicted of multiple terrorism offences, and I welcome their sentence today. They were a group that espoused vile racist views and advocated for violence, all to support their extreme right-wing mindset.”
Bethan David, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Counter Terrorism Division, emphasised that “these extremists were plotting violent acts of terrorism against Synagogues, Mosques and an Islamic Education Centre. By their own admission, they were inspired by SS tactics and supremacist ideology.”
Photos: Brogan Stewart, Christopher Ringrose and Marco Pitzettu (Credit: Counter Terrorism Policing)
