Teen right-wing extremist jailed for 10 years after plotting mosque massacre
Plot to massacre Muslims uncovered
A 17-year-old right-wing supremacist, Joe Metcalfe, was sentenced to a decade behind bars after being convicted of planning a horrific attack on Muslims worshipping at local mosques. Metcalfe intended to disguise himself as an armed police officer before carrying out the massacre.
He modelled his evil plan on the brutal mass shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand (2019), and Buffalo, USA (2022).
Detailed terror plan exposed
Arrested on June 21, 2022, Metcalfe was charged a week later. The court sentenced him to 10 years in prison, plus an extended licence period of six years. He was found guilty of preparing an act of terrorism, encouraging others to commit terrorism, spreading terrorist material, and possessing a bladed weapon. He had already spent 500 days in custody.
In a separate trial, Metcalfe was also convicted of multiple rapes and coercive behaviour against a teenage girl.
Prosecutors slam ‘threat to society’
Nick Price, head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “Although he spent time watching and sharing violent, racist, homophobic and antisemitic videos, these were not idle fantasies. He made a detailed plan to murder Muslims at a nearby mosque while disguised as an armed police officer, record the killings and escape.”
“He stole his father’s car to scout locations and contacted a gun seller to secretly ship weapons to the UK. But for his arrest, the attack would have gone ahead.”
“Despite his young age, Metcalfe’s beliefs and willingness to commit violence pose a grave threat to society. It’s right he’s been locked up for these crimes.”
Counter-terror police praise speedy justice
The CPS worked closely with Counter Terrorism Policing North-East, which led the investigation.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North-East, said: “We are confident this individual acted alone. Our quick response stopped this brutal plan in its tracks.”
“Working with partners, we ensured he was brought to justice swiftly. This case shows how seriously we tackle extremism and terrorism. Such hatred will never be tolerated.”
