Jail for Rugby teenager who idolised Hitler and offered to build firearms on extreme-right forums

A teenage boy from Rugby with who idolised Adolf Hitler and offered to build firearms for people online has today, November 6, been jailed for terrorism offences.

In reports of his arrest and subsequent trial the teenager could not be identified due to his age - but he can now be revealed to be 17-year-old Paul Dunleavy.

And he was today sentenced to five and a half years for collecting terrorism information and the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorism.

Dunleavy admitted nine counts of collecting terrorism information under section 58 of the Terrorism Act and last month a jury found him guilty of the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorism under section 5 of the Terrorism Act.

During the trial, the court heard how he had become a member of the online extreme right wing group Feuerkrieg Division (FKD) in July 2019.

On that forum he started virtual conversations where he expressed his extreme views and indicated he was planning or had already converted a blank firing weapon into a viable firearm.

When detectives from West Midlands Police seized his phone they found more than 90 documents on firearms, explosives and military tactics, online material with an extreme right wing rhetoric as well as the online chats.

Eleven clips of the New Zealand attacks in Christchurch mosques were found on his phone together with the shooting in El Paso, Texas and the attacks at the Dayton and Garlic festival and the Anders Breivik attack in Norway.

A search of the teen’s bedroom revealed knives, air rifles, face coverings, camouflage face paint, shotgun cartridges, bullet casings, numerous tools and camping equipment as well as two makeshift cardboard targets.

A notebook was also seized containing swastikas, details of lone wolf attacks as well as a mocked-up logo representing an extreme-right group he wanted to form.

Head of West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit Detective Chief Superintendent Kenny Bell, said: “This boy had an unhealthy interest in other attacks across the world and he knew exactly what online platforms to join to share his extreme views.

“He believed he had the skills to convert a blank firing weapon into a viable firearm and was willing to help others with his abilities."

DCS Bell highlighted the commitment by counter terrorism policing to tackle all forms of extremist ideology.

"We have seen many convictions over the last few years in connection with extreme right wing terrorism and this work continues apace. These extreme groups have the potential to threaten public safety and security.

"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.

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