Two alleged right-wing extremists deny planning a terrorist attack

Two alleged right-wing extremists accused of making semi-automatic firearms using 3D printing and identifying targets for attack have pleaded not guilty to preparing a terrorist attack.

Counter-terrorism police arrested Christopher Ringrose, 34, from Cannock in Staffordshire; Marco Pitzett, 25, from Derby; and third defendant Brogan Stewart, 24, from Wakefield on February 20 following an investigation on suspicion of “far-right activity”.

Each man was charged with preparing terrorist acts or assisting another in committing terrorist acts.

On Friday, Pitzett and Ringrose pleaded not guilty to the charges at a hearing at the Old Bailey in London. Stewart was not asked to enter a plea.

The three men appeared via video link from prisons in Hull, Leeds and Doncaster.

The previous hearing was told the three were accused of naming the Leeds Islamic Education Center as a potential target.

Prosecutors allege they took steps to produce FGC-9 semi-automatic firearms, received instructions on how to assemble 3D-printed firearms, and took steps to acquire weapons including swords, axes, bows and arrows.

They are also accused of receiving far-right texts, joining far-right chat forums and spreading information about firearms and ammunition.

A trial of up to 10 weeks is due to begin at Sheffield Crown Court on March 3.