By Emeka Blast 
Neo-Nazi Pedophile Faces More Jail Time for Gunpowder Manual
Overview of Martyn Gilleard’s 2025 Case
Martyn Gilleard, a 48-year-old neo-Nazi and convicted pedophile from Armley, Leeds, UK, also known as Martyn Stone, pleaded guilty on June 20, 2025, at the Old Bailey in London to collecting material likely to be useful to a terrorist. The charge relates to his possession of a manual on manufacturing black powder (gunpowder) on or before May 28, 2025. Appearing via video-link from Leeds jail, Gilleard, described as having grey hair and a beard, admitted to the offense before Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb, who scheduled his sentencing for August 22, 2025, at Leeds Crown Court. He remains in custody pending the hearing. This latest conviction adds to his prior criminal record, which includes terrorism and child sexual abuse offenses from 2008, raising concerns about his ongoing threat to public safety.
Criminal History and 2008 Conviction
Gilleard’s criminal activities first came to public attention in 2007 when Humberside Police searched his flat in Goole, East Yorkshire, initially investigating suspected possession of child sexual abuse material. The search uncovered approximately 39,000 indecent images of children, including photographs and films, leading to charges for possession of these materials. However, the investigation took a more alarming turn when police discovered evidence of terrorism-related activities.
In his flat, authorities found:
- Four homemade nail bombs, constructed with the intent to cause harm.
- Bladed weapons and bullets, indicating a capacity for violence.
- A collection of extreme right-wing literature and propaganda, including materials from Combat 18, a violent neo-Nazi group.
- Bomb-making manuals and outdoor survival guides, suggesting preparation for terrorist acts.
A subsequent search by the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) at another property in Leeds revealed additional explosive materials, camouflage clothing, balaclavas, and a high-visibility jacket modified with a hand-drawn swastika and Combat 18 lettering. Colleagues at his workplace, where he was employed as a forklift truck driver, reported that Gilleard openly expressed racist views, further aligning him with far-right ideologies.
In 2008, Gilleard was convicted at Leeds Crown Court of:
- Engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts under the Terrorism Act 2000, related to the nail bombs and other materials.
- Collecting information for terrorist purposes, based on the manuals and propaganda in his possession.
- Possession of indecent images of children, confirming his status as a pedophile.
During the trial, Gilleard admitted to sympathizing with white supremacist groups such as the National Front, the British People’s Party, and the White Nationalist Party. He claimed to have become “less racist” and argued that the nail bombs were made out of boredom after consuming alcohol, but the prosecution successfully demonstrated his intent to use the materials for terrorist purposes. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison, comprising 10 years for the terrorism offenses and an additional two years for the indecent images.
When police initially searched his flat in October 2007, Gilleard fled, triggering a three-day manhunt. He was apprehended 300 miles away in Dundee, Tayside. He served his sentence and was released in 2023.
2025 Charge: Possession of a Gunpowder Manual
The 2025 charge stems from Gilleard’s possession of a manual detailing the manufacture of black powder, a low-explosive substance historically used in firearms and explosives. The offense falls under Section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which criminalizes the possession of articles for terrorist purposes, including materials that could be useful in preparing or committing acts of terrorism. While the charge does not explicitly state that Gilleard was planning an imminent attack, the manual’s content and his prior history of possessing explosive materials raise significant concerns.
The exact circumstances of how the manual was discovered have not been publicly detailed, but given Gilleard’s history, it is likely that he was under surveillance by counter-terrorism authorities following his 2023 release. The charge specifies that the manual was in his possession on or before May 28, 2025, suggesting that law enforcement acted swiftly to apprehend him. His guilty plea on June 20, 2025, indicates that he did not contest the evidence against him, possibly to avoid a more severe outcome at trial.
Court Appearance and Legal Proceedings
On June 20, 2025, Gilleard appeared via video-link from Leeds jail at the Old Bailey for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The hearing was brief, with Gilleard entering a guilty plea to the single charge of collecting material likely to be useful to a terrorist. Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb, presiding over the hearing, ordered that sentencing take place on August 22, 2025, at Leeds Crown Court, closer to Gilleard’s place of residence. He was remanded in custody, reflecting the seriousness of the charge and his prior criminal history.
The decision to hold sentencing in Leeds rather than London may be logistical, as it aligns with the jurisdiction where Gilleard was arrested and where his previous offenses were prosecuted. The delay until August allows time for a pre-sentence report to be prepared, which will consider factors such as Gilleard’s criminal history, his behavior since his 2023 release, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances.
Sentencing Considerations
Under UK law, the offense of collecting material likely to be useful to a terrorist carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment. However, Gilleard’s sentence will depend on several factors:
- Criminal History: His 2008 convictions for terrorism and possession of indecent images, particularly the preparation of nail bombs, establish him as a recidivist offender with a demonstrated interest in explosives and extremist ideologies.
- Nature of the Offense: The gunpowder manual, while not an explosive device itself, is concerning given his history of possessing and constructing nail bombs. The court may view this as evidence of continued intent to engage in dangerous activities.
- Risk Assessment: Gilleard’s affiliations with far-right groups like Combat 18 and his prior flight from police in 2007 suggest a high risk of reoffending. His status as a convicted pedophile further complicates his profile, as it indicates a broader pattern of harmful behavior.
- Mitigating Factors: Gilleard’s guilty plea may reduce his sentence slightly, as it demonstrates acceptance of responsibility and avoids the need for a costly trial. However, his claim in 2008 of being “less racist” is unlikely to carry weight given the new offense.
Given these factors, it is likely that Gilleard will face a significant custodial sentence, potentially approaching the maximum seven years, though the exact term will be determined at the August 22 hearing. The court may also impose additional restrictions, such as an extended license period or a Serious Crime Prevention Order, to monitor his activities post-release.
Far-Right Affiliations and Ideological Context
Gilleard’s affiliations with far-right groups, including the National Front, British People’s Party, and Combat 18, place him within the broader context of far-right extremism in the UK. These groups are known for promoting white supremacist ideologies, anti-Semitism, and anti-immigrant sentiments, often advocating violence to achieve their goals. Combat 18, in particular, has a history of violent activities and is designated as a terrorist organization in some jurisdictions.
The materials found in Gilleard’s possession in 2007, including Combat 18 propaganda and a swastika-modified jacket, indicate a deep commitment to these ideologies. His continued possession of a gunpowder manual in 2025 suggests that he has not fully disengaged from extremist activities, despite serving a lengthy prison sentence. This aligns with broader concerns about the persistence of far-right extremism in the UK, where authorities have noted an increase in arrests related to such ideologies.
The UK Home Office’s 2024-2025 counter-terrorism reports highlight far-right extremism as a significant threat, alongside Islamist terrorism. Individuals like Gilleard, who combine ideological extremism with access to dangerous materials, are a priority for law enforcement. His case underscores the challenge of rehabilitating and monitoring released offenders, particularly those with a history of terrorism-related activities.
Intersection of Extremism and Sexual Offending
Gilleard’s dual convictions for terrorism and possession of indecent images of children highlight a rare but troubling intersection of ideological extremism and sexual offending. While the two types of crimes are distinct, they reflect a complex psychological profile that may involve a desire for power, control, or defiance of societal norms. The possession of 39,000 indecent images in 2007 indicates a significant and sustained pattern of sexual offending, which, combined with his extremist activities, makes him a particularly high-risk individual.
This combination has drawn attention from researchers and law enforcement, as it raises questions about the motivations behind Gilleard’s actions. Some studies suggest that individuals involved in far-right extremism may exhibit traits such as impulsivity, anger, or a need for dominance, which can also manifest in other criminal behaviors, including sexual offenses. Gilleard’s case may prompt further scrutiny of how such offenders are assessed and managed post-release.
Law Enforcement and Counter-Terrorism Response
The discovery of the gunpowder manual in 2025 likely resulted from proactive monitoring by the UK’s Counter Terrorism Command or regional police units, given Gilleard’s history. Released terrorism offenders are typically subject to strict oversight, including regular checks, restrictions on internet use, and intelligence-led surveillance. The swift identification of the manual suggests that authorities were actively tracking Gilleard’s activities, possibly through digital forensics or informant tips.
The involvement of the Counter Terrorism Unit in both his 2007 and 2025 cases reflects the seriousness with which his actions are viewed. The UK’s counter-terrorism strategy, Prevent, emphasizes early intervention and monitoring to mitigate risks from individuals like Gilleard. His rearrest within two years of release highlights the challenges of ensuring that such individuals do not revert to dangerous behaviors.
Public and Media Reaction
Gilleard’s case has garnered significant media coverage due to its sensational nature and the combination of neo-Nazism, terrorism, and pedophilia. Outlets such as The Jersey Evening Post, The Standard, and The Irish News reported on his June 20, 2025, guilty plea, emphasizing his prior convictions and the threat posed by his possession of the gunpowder manual. Public reaction, as reflected in media and online discussions, has been one of alarm and condemnation, with many expressing concern about his release in 2023 and the apparent failure to prevent further offending.
The case has also sparked discussions about the broader issue of far-right extremism in the UK, particularly in light of recent arrests and convictions related to similar ideologies. Social media platforms, including X, have seen posts highlighting the need for stricter monitoring of released offenders and greater resources for counter-terrorism efforts.
Broader Implications
Gilleard’s case underscores several key issues:
- Recidivism Among Terrorism Offenders: His return to terrorism-related activities within two years of release highlights the difficulty of rehabilitating individuals with entrenched extremist beliefs. Programs like Prevent and post-release supervision may need to be reevaluated to address such cases.
- Far-Right Extremism: The persistence of far-right ideologies, as evidenced by Gilleard’s affiliations and materials, remains a growing concern in the UK. His case may prompt increased scrutiny of groups like Combat 18 and their influence.
- Intersection of Crimes: The combination of terrorism and sexual offending in Gilleard’s profile raises questions about how such offenders are assessed and managed, particularly in terms of risk to the public.
- Counter-Terrorism Challenges: The rapid identification of the gunpowder manual demonstrates effective law enforcement work but also highlights the ongoing resources required to monitor high-risk individuals.
Conclusion
Martyn Gilleard’s guilty plea on June 20, 2025, for possessing a gunpowder manual marks a continuation of his dangerous engagement with terrorism-related activities, building on his 2008 convictions for preparing terrorist acts and possessing indecent images of children. His affiliations with far-right groups, history of constructing explosive devices, and possession of extremist materials underscore his ongoing threat to public safety. As he awaits sentencing on August 22, 2025, at Leeds Crown Court, his case highlights the challenges of managing recidivist offenders and combating far-right extremism in the UK. The intersection of his extremist and sexual offending behaviors further complicates his profile, making him a priority for counter-terrorism efforts. The outcome of his sentencing will likely reflect the judiciary’s commitment to addressing such threats while balancing the complexities of rehabilitation and public protection.
