Far-right extremist jailed for terrorist offences

Police seized memorabilia of an "extreme right-wing nature" from Gabriel Budasz' home

A far-right extremist has been jailed for 12 years after posting videos of an extreme right-wing nature on social media.

Gabriel Budasz, 24, of Drove Road in Weston-super-Mare, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday.

He had been found guilty of terror offences, after police seized books, masks and memorabilia of an extreme right-wing nature, as well as a 3D-printed firearm from his home in August 2023.

Judge Forster told the defendant: "You have no interest as to how your actions could have affected others."

Gabriel Budasz was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Winchester Crown Court

Prosecutors seized Budasz's mobile and computer devices and found he used a number of social media sites under different usernames to post extreme right-wing material.

The court heard Budasz was living in supported accommodation, where he made videos that were broadcast on social media.

He dressed in robes and a mask to disguise his true identity and used props to encourage violence, including a 3D-printed plastic handgun made in his bedroom, the court was told.

The prosecutor Maryam Syed told the court today he was emulating Brenton Tarrant, who carried out mass shootings at mosques in New Zealand in 2019.

'Lacks empathy'

His defence Tim Forte told Judge Forster that Budasz has a severe developmental disorder making him less mature than other men of his age.

He added that he only had 44 followers on social media, which was “not a large audience".

The defence told the court that Budasz never left his accommodation with the 3D printed handgun.

He had educational difficulties growing up, leading to foster care.

“He lacks empathy, which speaks as to why he is here," Mr Forte added.

However, Judge Forster said there was "no direct connection" between Budasz's mental disorder and his offending, citing two expert witnesses who determined Budasz was "able to form an intent".

Judge Forster told the defendant: "Your lack of insight is underlined by your description of your trial as being a 'comedy show', and your inability to understand the verdicts reached by the jury."

Budasz was sentenced to 12 years in prison, followed by three years under licence.