British Army member jailed for possession of explosives with terrorist intent
Mark Broadhurst sentenced for weapons and explosives offences.
A serving member of the British Army has been sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in jail for terrorist-related offences involving possession of explosives and firearms.
Mark Broadhurst, aged 28, from Chesterfield, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on 14th October 2026, after being charged in September 2025.
Broadhurst initially came to the attention of police due to postings on online forums expressing racist views and extreme right-wing ideology, alongside aspirations to form a militant armed force.
He was arrested by Counter Terrorism Policing North East in September 2024 from his Catterick Garrison barracks, where he worked as a chef.
A search of his Chesterfield home revealed various weapons, including knives, crossbows, black powder, 9mm ammunition, and an improvised homemade cannon.
Despite pleading guilty to possession of firearms without a certificate and making or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances, the prosecution argued these actions were terrorism-related.
Following a Newton hearing in June 2026, Mr Justice Hilliard ruled that Broadhurst's possession of firearms and explosives was intended to advance extremist ideologies.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley stated the investigation exposed Broadhurst's extreme right-wing mindset and connections to like-minded individuals online.
Broadhurst proactively made and amassed weapons, which the Judge connected to terrorist motivations.
The conviction underscores the commitment of Counter Terrorism Policing North East to mitigating threats from extremist individuals.