A 'dangerous man' who built a homemade stun gun and plotted to attack and kill Muslims has been jailed.
Darren Dale even boasted to Counter Terror officers about how his 'Taser' was just as powerful as a police-issued one.
The 41-year-old was visited by police at his home in Reads Avenue, Blackpool, in February this year after he 'expressed extreme right wing views'.
Dale began making racist comments towards Muslims, and when quizzed further told officers about his violent plans to attack and kill them.
He also admitted to watching videos on YouTube on how to make explosive devices.
As officers went to leave, Dale showed them several weapons including a steel bar from a dumb bell, a knife and two tasers – one which he had made himself.
He boasted the taser was as powerful as a police one and that all he needed to do to make it work would be to connect a battery.
Later that night, officers returned to arrest him and carry out a search of the property.
More weapons were uncovered - including a black plastic block with wires sticking out.
Dale was charged and subsequently pleaded guilty to threats to kill and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon.
On September 6, he was jailed for three years and four months at Preston Crown Court.
Speaking after the case, Head of Investigations for Counter Terrorism Policing for the North West, Det Supt Will Chatterton, said: "It’s horrifying that an individual planned to carry out a pre-empted venomous attack intending to harm people because of their religion.
"As a result of our police officers working closely with Counter Terrorism specialists, Dale’s intentions were thwarted long before he could ever carry them out and I hope that is a fact that gives people good reason to be confident in the ability of the police to identify, prevent and prosecute such offenders.
"Our first priority will always be to keep people safe.
"Thanks to the diligence of our partners and Lancashire Police, who we could not have secured today’s sentence without, another dangerous man is behind bars."
To report any suspicious activity call police on 0800 789 321.
Anyone who sees extremist content online can report their concerns anonymously to specialist officers at the world-leading Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit at www.gov.uk/report-terrorism .
