Mexborough teenage terrorist jailed for over four years

Jack Coulson (19), of Roman Gardens, Mexborough, pleaded guilty to the offence at Leeds Crown Court on Monday and sentenced at the same court this morning (Thursday).

The charge followed his arrest earlier this year as part of an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East (CTPNE) and South Yorkshire Police.  

An examination of Coulson’s mobile phone revealed he had downloaded information on how to obtain and mix explosives and how to manufacture pipe bombs and other explosive devices. 

It also contained a wide range of extreme right-wing material and propaganda, including racist and anti-Semitic imagery. His search history also indicated an interest in National Action, Nazism and White Jihad. 

Det Supt Simon Atkinson, CTPNE head of investigationS said: “Jack Coulson was in possession of disturbing and potentially dangerous material, which indicated an extreme right-wing mindset and an interest in home-made explosives. 

“He hadn’t come across this material by chance, but had actively searched for it and downloaded it. 

“While no evidence was found to suggest Coulson was planning to act on this information, the combination of this material and his ideology is very concerning. 

“This case also highlights the dangers of material that is readily available on the Internet, material that could be misused, or used for a terrorist purpose. 

“Searching for and storing information of this nature has the potential to put the safety of others at risk will not go unprosecuted. In the wrong hands it could have serious consequences.”

Coulson had previously been given a three-year youth rehabilitation order when aged 17 after being convicted of constructing an explosive device. He was arrested after he put a photo of his self-made pipe bomb on Snapchat.