London, 24 October (H.S.): A 60-year-old Covid denier from south London is facing a prison sentence after a jury at the Old Bailey found him guilty on Thursday of encouraging terrorism. Paul Martin was convicted for using an online chat group during the pandemic to incite an armed uprising and call for attacks on the country’s infrastructure.

The court heard how Martin was a prolific poster in a Telegram group called The Resistance UK, where he posted approximately 16,000 messages. Prosecutors argued that his messages, which called for followers to smash skulls and attack 5G and CCTV systems, were intended to stir up the idea of violent revolt.

His posts also promoted conspiracy theories, claiming the pandemic was a hoax designed for genocide and that the vaccine was a poison designed to kill you.Police discovered items including crossbows, pistols, and a stun gun at Martin’s home in South Norwood.

While he was cleared of the charge of collecting weapons for terrorist purposes, he pleaded guilty to possessing the stun gun.

Martin’s defense claimed the crossbows were for sport and the pistols were the type commonly used in fairgrounds. He testified that he was just talking twaddle and had fallen down a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories during the pandemic, driven by a fear that people would be forcibly vaccinated.

Judge Richard Marks KC bailed Martin but told him to expect a custodial sentence due to the seriousness of the offense. His sentencing is scheduled for December 18.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar