Two alleged right-wing extremists deny that they are preparing a terrorist attack

Two alleged right-wing extremists accused of creating a 3D-printed semi-automatic firearm and identifying targets for an attack have pleaded not guilty to charges of preparing a terrorist act.

Counter Terrorism Police arrested Christopher Ringrose, 34, from Cannock in Staffordshire; Marco Pitzettu, 25, from Derby; and a third defendant Brogan Stewart, 24, from Wakefield on February 20 following an investigation into suspected “far-right activity”.

The men were each charged with preparing or assisting another to commit acts of terrorism.

On Friday, Pitzettu and Ringrose pleaded not guilty to the charges at a hearing at the Old Bailey in London. Stewart was not asked to enter a plea.

The three men appeared via videolink from prisons in Hull, Leeds and Doncaster.

An earlier hearing was told the trio were accused of identifying the Islamic Education Center in Leeds as a potential target.

Prosecutors allege they took steps to manufacture an FGC-9 semi-automatic firearm, received instructions on how to assemble a 3D printed firearm, and took steps to acquire weapons including swords, axes and bow and arrow.

They are also accused of obtaining far-right texts, joining far-right chat forums and spreading information about firearms and ammunition.

A trial of up to ten weeks will begin at Sheffield Crown Court on March 3.