NEO-NAZI LUCA BENINCASA JAILED FOR TERROR AND CHILD SEX CRIMES
The self-styled "UK cell leader" of a banned neo-Nazi group has been locked up for terror offences and possessing indecent images of children.Luca Benincasa, 20, from Cardiff, was sentenced to nine years and three months at Winchester Crown Court after admitting a range of offences.
He had instructions on bomb making and was a recruiter and "prominent member" of Neo-Nazi group Feuerkrieg Division.
He also downloaded indecent images of children as young as four.
Benincasa, from the Whitchurch area of the city, pleaded guilty to terrorism offences and possession of indecent images of children.
After he was arrested he scrawled satanic and far-right messages on his prison cell, and said on social media: "Told my mum I want to be a terrorist for 2022." The court heard he became increasingly involved with far-right ideologies during lockdown, which was described by the prosecution as a "watershed moment." He was described as a self-described "incel" and held at least 33 one-to-one conversations with potential recruits, some as young as 14, actively recruiting individuals, and asking recruits to put up propaganda posters.
When police searched his bedroom, they found a Nazi dagger, flags, airsoft rifles, tactical clothing, and documents on how to make explosives and poisons.
Prosecutors said Benincasa was 19 when he committed the offences and was the self-described "UK cell leader" of Feuerkrieg Division, mainly operating online and promoting violence in pursuit of a race war.
He admitted belonging to the group after it was proscribed in July 2020 and collecting information useful for terrorism.
The police found Nazi flags, a Nazi dagger, airsoft rifles, tactical clothing, and manuals on how to make bombs and poisons in his possession.
The prosecution stated he spoke to a 14-year-old in January 2022, indicating an interest in recruiting minors.
His defence argued the group was "entirely online without any real-world meetings." Further, Benincasa had previously pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children, involving children aged four, five, and seven, and searched terms related to child abuse and pornography online.
Judge Jane Miller KC emphasized that Benincasa views himself as being in a high position where rules do not apply, and sentenced him to a total of nine years and three months in a young offender institution.
