Man denies trying to incite armed pandemic uprising

Paul Martin, 60, is charged with encouraging terrorism, possessing articles for the purposes of terrorism and possessing a stun gun.

A man from south London has denied trying to incite an armed uprising against the UK government during the Covid-19 pandemic and amassing an armoury of weapons, including a dagger, knife, and two crossbows.

Paul Martin, 60, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday charged with encouraging terrorism, possessing articles for the purposes of terrorism and possessing a stun gun.

It is alleged Mr Martin, of Suffolk Road, Croydon, posted some 16,000 messages in a Telegram group called The Resistance UK under the username Perpetual Truth.

Mr Martin, who is on conditional bail, pleaded not guilty to all three charges against him. He faces a two-week trial from 13 October.

Between 15 December 2020 and 29 September 2021, he allegedly discussed gathering a militia and weapons and attacking members of government and police.

At the same time, Mr Martin allegedly possessed a dagger, a knife, two crossbows and arrows, which gave rise to a reasonable suspicion that he intended to use them for the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorist acts.

He is also charged with possessing a weapon on 28 September 2021 that discharged a noxious liquid, gas or other thing, namely a stun gun.