A Neo-Nazi who wanted to murder a former friend with 3D printed gun has found guilty of two terror offences.
Matthew Cronjager, 18, from Essex, led the organisation of a UK sect of an online far-right group and shared explosive-making manuals online.
He was found guilty of one count of engaging in the preparation of an act of terrorism and one count of disseminating a terrorist publication at the Old Bailey on Friday.
Cronjager had already pleaded guilty to four counts of possession of material likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism before the trial.
The court heard he was an active user of online platforms that promoted right wing ideology. He had also developed an obsession with building or acquiring firearms.
Cronjager was caught after he spoke online with an undercover officer working for Counter Terrorism North East. He was then brought to the attention of police.
Forensic specialists then found messages from Cronjager where he said he wanted to source or create weapons for an attack.
He even went as far as identifying a "target" [a friend]for his plans, and likened him to a "cockroach."
Cronjager told the undercover officer: "I've found someone I want to execute.
"I figure we could just 'find' a double barrel shotgun and saw it down for things like this."
He admitted they had been friends "for ages" but said: "I can just kill him like that".
His barrister, Tim Forte told jurors that Cronjager was nothing more than a "keyboard warrior."
He said: "He was the outsider, he was the other. He retreated in his own mind and that took him down the rabbit hole that is the internet.
"Children like him 30/40 years ago [who were] unhappy, alone, unwelcome, did not have the internet to lure them and ensnare them with misinformation and hatred. But today it is all there laid out on a platter like a buffet of loathing."
Cronjager was found guilty and will be sentenced for his crimes at the Old Bailey on Monday, October 18.
Detective Chief Superintendent Martin Snowden is Head of CTP North East. DCS Snowden said: “Online extremism continues to be a real threat to our communities, as young people can potentially gain access to harmful and toxic material designed to stoke hatred.
“Thanks to the work of specialist officers and staff, Cronjager did not get the opportunity to put his plans into action.
"The earlier we know about dangerous and radical behaviour like his, the earlier we can act to disrupt and intervene.
“We know family and friends are best placed to spot if a loved one is becoming radicalised.
:If you have any concerns, please call the national Police Prevent Advice Line on 0800 011 3764 in confidence or report online at gov.uk/ACT.”
