A British Army chef has been sentenced to 46 months in prison after admitting to possessing explosives and weapons, including a homemade cannon that experts compared to a primitive 14th-century firearm.

Mark Broadhurst, 28, was arrested in September 2024 after police searched his accommodation at Catterick military base in North Yorkshire and his home in Chesterfield.

Officers recovered gunpowder, the homemade cannon, bows and arrows, six large knives, and a baseball bat.

Counterterrorism police identified Broadhurst during an investigation into members of far-right groups. Prosecutor Matthew Donkin said his online posts demonstrated deeply entrenched extremist beliefs and hatred toward Black people, Asians, Muslims, and Jews.

Prosecutors said Broadhurst shared information online about ordering components for gunpowder, expressed support for anarchy, and spoke of wanting to kill police officers and commit terrorist attacks to secure a place in history and criminal records.

Broadhurst denied that his offenses were connected to terrorism. However, the judge found that he manufactured the weapons and explosives to impress other extremists and encourage them to commit violence.

Prosecutors also said he was immersed in extremist material and maintained close, prolonged contact with three convicted terrorists who drew inspiration from the methods of the Nazi SS.

Detective James Dunkerley welcomed the sentence, saying it reflected the danger Broadhurst posed to the public.

Defense attorney Jim Littlehales presented a reference from a senior military officer describing Broadhurst as an excellent mentor who worked to the highest standards. He also argued that the weapons Broadhurst made had never been used to threaten anyone.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)