Terror Plotter Jailed After Shopping Center Attack Plans
A 21-year-old man from East Yorkshire has been sentenced to life imprisonment after authorities uncovered his detailed plans for a terrorist attack. Jordan Richardson, who adopted the online alias “Anglo Jihadi,” maintained violent jihadist fantasies and collected weapons for an impending assault.
Weapons Cache and Attack Blueprint
Court evidence revealed Richardson possessed a crossbow purchased online, along with 10 bolts, and maintained detailed instructions for creating mustard gas. Documents found in his possession outlined attack tactics including: “Throw all grenades into crowd; Shoot bystanders; Stab anyone who comes close; Do not get taken alive.”
Leeds Crown Court heard how Richardson’s online activity demonstrated clear allegiance to Islamic State ideology. His Instagram accounts contained reconnaissance footage of Meadowhall shopping center alongside disturbing posts about “killing people brutally.”
Radicalization Pathway
The presiding judge stated during sentencing: “The nature and persistence of your posts confirm you intended to execute a terrorist attack within weeks. Counter-terrorism interventions prevented imminent violence.”
Evidence showed Richardson converted to Islam after gym conversations and a relationship breakdown, subsequently attending weekly mosque services in Goole. His digital footprint included searches for “Does Isis recruit on Instagram?” and inquiries about joining Hamas from the UK.
Violent Ideology and Convictions
Prosecutors presented disturbing evidence including:
– Anti-Semitic remarks referring to Jewish people as “the pillagers” and “big noses”
– Jokes about synagogue attacks with suicide vests
– Video documentation of Buddha statue destruction labeled “polytheistic idol”
– Weapon-testing footage featuring crossbow use
Despite defense claims of “role-playing extremism” to cope with depression, jurors convicted Richardson on six terrorism charges including attack preparation and distributing extremist materials.
The court imposed a minimum 16-year prison term alongside the life sentence, with the judge noting Richardson showed no signs of deradicalization and maintained prison allegiance to terrorist organizations.
