A neo-Nazi extremist who built a homemade bomb and made violent threats against Muslims has been jailed for three years and nine months, a court has heard.
Harry Whittaker, 33, constructed an improvised explosive device and stored chemicals in a makeshift laboratory in the garden of the home he shared with his mother in Caddington, Bedfordshire.
Police discovered the explosives after Whittaker suffered a life-threatening allergic reaction and called 999 for medical assistance on 18 April 2024. Officers attending the property uncovered the bomb-making materials in a garden shed.
Following his arrest, investigators found racist and extremist messages on Whittaker’s WhatsApp account. In one exchange, he discussed attacking a mosque in Luton, describing plans to use military-style weapons and threatening to kill worshippers during Friday prayers.
Officers also found material linked to neo-Nazi ideology in his bedroom, including images of Adolf Hitler, Nazi symbolism, swastikas and antisemitic notes.
Whittaker was found guilty of making and possessing explosives on or before 6 May 2024. He had earlier admitted offences under the Poisons Act and possession of ammunition without a licence.
During his trial at the Old Bailey, jurors were not told about the full extent of his far-right ideology. However, at sentencing, prosecutor Emily Dummett outlined further evidence of his racist views and fixation on neo-Nazi beliefs.
In mitigation, Whittaker portrayed himself as a “nerdy” science enthusiast, but the court heard that his actions posed a serious risk to public safety.
