Goole man convicted of planning terror attack

A 21-year-old man from Goole has been found guilty of planning a terrorist attack after what police described as a rapid descent into violent extremism inspired by the so-called Islamic State.

Jordan Richardson was convicted at Leeds Crown Court on November 3 of preparing an act of terrorism, as well as multiple offences of possessing and disseminating terrorist information. He will be sentenced on December 15.

Counter Terrorism Policing North East arrested Richardson in December 2024 after an intelligence-led operation uncovered evidence that he was planning an attack. Officers found handwritten notes in his backpack outlining an attack plan and detailing how to make mustard gas. A search of his home uncovered a crossbow, bolts, and a combat-style knife.

Investigators told the court that Richardson had converted to Islam earlier in 2024 and quickly became immersed in extremist ideology. He joined an Instagram group where he shared propaganda and violent imagery, including ISIS beheading videos and Al-Qaeda bombmaking manuals. He described himself online as a terrorist and discussed possible targets, including a shopping centre.

Richardson also researched how to make explosives and looked into travelling to conflict zones such as Syria, Iraq, and Palestine. While on remand in prison, he told a prison officer he was a supporter of Islamic State.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said Richardson “was inspired by the violent propaganda of the so-called Islamic State” and “was preparing to conduct an attack on members of the public, and to become a martyr to others who share his ideology.”

He told the court that Richardson had blamed social media algorithms for exposing him to extremist content and claimed he was “role playing” online. “Ultimately,” Dunkerley said, “the jury found that Richardson was motivated by extremism and was fully responsible for his actions.”

He added that the case showed how easily individuals can radicalise through online content. “In just a few short months, Richardson went from being a new convert to Islam to being a committed and dangerous extremist. Working closely with our partners, we were able to stop him before anyone was harmed.”

Dunkerley urged the public to report suspicious behaviour: “If you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and report it in confidence at gov.uk/ACT. Always dial 999 in an emergency. You won’t be wasting our time, and you might just help us to save lives.”