British soldier jailed for terror-linked offences after making explosives and 'homemade cannon'

A soldier has been jailed for nearly four years after making explosives and a “homemade cannon” while promoting extreme right-wing views and talking about forming a militia.

Mark Broadhurst, 28, a chef in the British Army, was detained at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire in September 2024. Sheffield Crown Court heard that police subsequently discovered an array of weapons and explosive compounds at his home in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

A raid on his military quarters and private address uncovered gunpowder alongside a homemade cannon, which an expert described as "crude" and comparable to a 14th century gun.

Officers also seized crossbows and bolts, six large knives, and a baseball bat.

Mr Justice Hilliard sentenced him to 46 months in prison after Broadhurst admitted possessing explosives and a firearms offence.

Although Broadhurst previously denied the offences were terror-related, the judge determined he sought to impress other members of extreme right-wing groups and encourage their violent, racist, and anti-authority ideology.

Prosecutor Matthew Donkin KC explained that the majority of the offending took place before Broadhurst enlisted in the army.

Counter terror police identified him during investigations into other far-right figures, discovering his activity across two internet forums.

Mr Donkin said: "The things he was posting were hateful, racist, aggressive and they demonstrated clear, extreme right-wing beliefs and views."

The prosecution noted the posts demonstrated hatred toward "black, Asian, Muslim and Jewish people", with Broadhurst making references to anarchy, societal collapse, and sharing his online order for gunpowder ingredients.

The court heard he aimed to feature "in history books and criminal records" for terrorism and killing police officers.

Defending, Jim Littlehales presented a reference from a superior officer who called the chef "excellent at mentoring junior members of the catering team", adding that the firearm was never used to threaten anyone.

The judge sentenced Broadhurst on the basis that he manufactured the weapon and gunpowder to gain standing among extreme right-wing peers.

After the sentencing, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: "Whilst Broadhurst pleaded guilty to these offences, he did not accept that his intent had a terrorist motivation.

"A thorough investigation was conducted which uncovered an extreme right-wing mindset and he was engaging in extensive conversations online with other individuals who hold similar views.

"He was proactively ordering components to make explosives, plus he amassed multiple weapons including firearms.

"After hearing the extensive evidence compiled throughout our investigation, the judge was satisfied his offending had a terrorist connection.

"I welcome the sentence handed down to Broadhurst which reflects his mindset and the danger he posed to the public."

Frank Ferguson, head of the Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: "Mark Broadhurst was clearly interested in violence and developing weapons that had the ability to cause untold harm to innocent people.

"He was immersed in extremist material and maintained close contact with three now-convicted terrorists inspired by SS tactics and supremacist ideology over a prolonged period."