Nazi worshipper who built submachine gun in his garage jailed for seven years
A NAZI lover who built a submachine gun in his garage has been jailed for seven years.
Ben Styles was preparing for a religious war after becoming obsessed with a mosque attack.
Police found parts of a homemade weapon and tools at his home in Leamington Spa, Warks.
There were manuals on converting blank bullets into live ammo, a Nazi fitness manual and a book on the SS.
Jurors heard he visited New Zealand just before two Christchurch mosques were attacked killing 51 in 2019.
He wrote: “It made me super racist.”
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The former engineering student, 25, admitted making weapons and collecting terrorism material.
He was jailed for five years for his weapon and two for the material at Birmingham crown court.
Detective Superintendent Anastasia Miller, from Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands said: “Styles’ was making a submachine gun and ammunition, he also knowingly downloaded and possessed extremely distressing and disturbing imagery.
“We will continue to protect local communities by working with partners and the CPS to pursue and prosecute all those who show support for terrorism.
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“We work tirelessly to counter terrorism. Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety and security of the people who live, work and visit the West Midlands area.”
Assistant Chief Constable David Gardner, counter terrorism lead for Warwickshire Police, said: “The evidence in this case was extremely concerning and clearly demonstrated Styles has an obsession with far right wing ideologies.
“It is vital we all remain vigilant and people report any concerns they have to police.”