A MAN from Weston-super-Mare has been convicted of several terrorism offences following a crown court hearing.

Gabriel Budasz, originally from Poland but now living in Weston-super-Mare, created a gun with a 3D printer, and shared a video online about making a bomb, among many other crimes.

The 24-year-old was convicted of one count of dissemination of a terrorist publication and four counts of encouraging terrorism during a hearing at Winchester Crown Court.

He was also found guilty of sending an electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety.

Budasz also previously pleaded guilty to six counts of possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

A spokesperson for the Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) said: “On August 1, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at the home of Budasz.

“Various items of an extreme right-wing nature including books, masks and memorabilia were seized along with a 3D printed firearm, Budasz’s mobile and computer devices.

“The 24-year-old was found to have a video related to making an explosive device and shared with others a different video, which was also about making an explosive device.”

Prosecutor Maryam Syed KC told the trial that Budasz posted extreme right-wing material to several social media sites under different usernames.

She added that he expressed 'extreme racist views against black and Jewish people'.

“This defendant has a particular MO – modus operandi – of posting videos in which he advocated, we say, violence and extreme Nazi and right-wing views, extreme views, which we say demonstrate a clear and continued pattern of encouraging terrorism, whilst being in possession of information which would facilitate the same," Ms Syed said.

One video Budasz shared to a group of people on encrypted messaging platform Telegram, detailed how to make a bomb - something which the offender said would be 'very educational for everyone' in the group to stop them from accidentally doing so.

In court, the 24-year-old - who is diagnosed with autism and Asperger’s syndrome - claimed the videos he shared were meant to be funny and from the perspective of a 'comedic' far-right character.

Detective Chief Superintendent Olly Wright, head of CTPSE, said: “Budasz shared documents and video footage with others, including details on how to make explosives.

“The material contained his extreme right-wing views encouraging violence to further the hateful ideology which he espoused.

“Making this kind of content available online spreads and encourages terrorist ideology, and is incredibly dangerous to those vulnerable to radicalisation.

“Unfortunately, the harm that can be caused by those who seek to provoke violence online to further their cause has been only too evident across the country in recent weeks.

“This case should serve as a warning to others that we will continue to take robust action against those who commit these serious and harmful offences.”

Budasz was remanded in custody until he is to be sentenced on October 25.