Nazi sympathizer escapes imprisonment; sentenced to read classic novels instead

Ben John, a 21 years old white supremist from Lincoln has been sentenced to read classic novels written from authors like Jane Austen and William Shakespeare instead of facing 2-year imprisonment.

John was first identified as a terror risk just days after his 18th birthday. He was then referred to Prevent officers who aims to de radicalise young people at risk of extremism. But on August 11 this year, John was found guilty by a jury of possessing information likely to be useful for preparing an act of terror as well as manual containing bomb making instructions

However, Judge Timothy Spencer referred to his crime as “an act of teenage folly” and an isolated incident.

He told John at the sentencing hearing: “You are a lonely individual with few if any true friends.”

He added that John was “vulnerable” to recruitment by others more prone to action but isn’t likely to cause any harm on his own.

He made John promise him not to research any more right-wing materials and to share the novels he has read on during his next hearing.

“I will test you and if I think you are [lying to] me you will suffer.”

Read the full story here.