Man, 55, jailed for encouraging ‘extremely’ violent terrorist acts online
A man has been jailed after he encouraged others to carry out “extremely” violent attacks against medical staff, MPs and police, in response to the Government’s handling of the Covid pandemic.
Patrick Ruane, 55, whose address has only been given as west London, was sentenced to five years in prison, with an additional year to be served on licence following his release, at the Old Bailey yesterday.
He was previously found guilty of two counts of encouraging terrorism at the same court on September 13.
Acting Commander Gareth Rees, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This wasn’t idle chit-chat online – Raune was encouraging people to seriously injure or kill others and suggesting who to target.”
In 2021, police linked a series of extremist posts on social media to Ruane.
Cops arrested him at his flat in west London in November 2021, and seized a number of electronic devices.
Specialist officers found that Ruane had posted in various groups which were against the government policies, between January and November 2021, in relation to Covid-19 and the vaccination rollout.
Amongst his posts, Ruane encouraged people to commit acts of violence targeting staff linked to pharmaceutical companies producing the Covid-19 vaccinations, MPs and police, as well as bombing vaccine laboratories and 5G infrastructure.
The investigation continued while Ruane was released on bail. He was charged in August 2023 with two counts of encouraging terrorism and one count of possessing a document useful for terrorism.
Following a trial at the Old Bailey he was found guilty of two counts of encouraging terrorism and was found not guilty in relation to the possession of a document useful for terrorism.
Bethan David, head of counter terrorism division, at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said: “This is a dangerous man who was prolific in encouraging violence because of his firmly held beliefs in a conspiracy theory.
“During a time when the nation was suffering a devastating pandemic and many lost loved ones, Patrick Ruane was using Telegram to spread false and damaging information and encourage violence and terrorism.”
If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious and think someone may be engaging in terrorist activity, act by reporting it in confidence at www.gov.uk/act or call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, dial 999. Visit the ACT Early website to find out how you can seek help and support for anyone who you suspect may be being radicalised.
Pictured top: Patrick Ruane who has been sentenced to five years in prison (Picture: The Met)