Prison pair guilty of posting explosive substances
Two men will face extended prison sentences after posting crude explosive devices and racist letters to Solicitors in West Yorkshire and Lancashire.
The prisoners from HMP Full Sutton were charged following an investigation by the North East Counter Terrorism Unit last year. Officers from the CTU were alerted by Prison Officers, after they intercepted a letter containing an incendiary device.
A jury at Leeds Crown Court found 23 year old Bret Atkins guilty of Conspiracy to Send an Explosive Substance with Intent.
26 year old Jamie Snow had previously pleaded guilty to Sending an Explosive Substance with Intent and two offences of Threats to Kill.
The pair will be sentenced on September 4, at Leeds Crown Court.
Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Wilson is Head of the North East Counter Terrorism Unit. He said: “Bret Atkins and Jamie Snow waged a campaign of hate against innocent people, choosing victims purely on the grounds of their race or religion.
"They expressed deeply racist and anti-Muslim views and sent a series of threatening letters, designed to instil fear in their recipients.
“Snow and Atkins took their hatred beyond threats to kill and even tried to post explosive materials in an attempt to cause harm or injury.
"Thankfully this mail was intercepted by vigilant officers within the Prison Service and was never able to enter the postal system.
“Snow and Atkins may already be in prison, but they will still be held accountable. We will continue to work with the Prison Service to respond to racially aggravated incidents and punish those who seek to threaten the safety and confidence of our communities.”
Marcella Goligher, Governor of Full Sutton, said: “We are committed to the prevention of crime and are proud of the work our vigilant and highly-skilled members of staff do to detect it.
“These convictions have been secured as a result of strong partnerships, and we will continue to work with the police and the CPS to ensure prisoners who break the law are prosecuted.”