Basildon man admits weapons offences after alleged threat to Islamic event

Police found weapons in his van and at his home

A man arrested as part of a counter-terrorism investigation into an alleged extreme right-wing threat to an Islamic event has avoided going to prison.

Darren Brown, 42, of Basildon, received a suspended sentence for weapons offences.

He pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Monday (July 20) to two counts of possession of offensive weapons, namely extendable batons, and possession of a stun gun, although those offences were not related to the alleged threat, according to court documents. He was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

Brown was arrested on July 12 after officers became aware of an alleged threat to the UK Ijtima event in Suffolk. He was driving a white Ford Transit at the time of arrest in Priors Close, Basildon, and a search of the van led to the recovery of a stun gun and a baton.

Officers searching Brown’s home in Basildon recovered a second extendable baton. He was charged with the weapons offences on Saturday (July 18).

Thousands of people attended the UK Ijtima gathering at Shrubland Hall near Ipswich, but it was forced to close early after advice from police. Brown was one of 12 people arrested on July 12 and 13, with a 13th man arrested on Thursday.

Four people were released on bail on Tuesday, and on Saturday officers confirmed a further seven men had been released without charge. Another man was freed on bail with strict conditions pending further inquiries, the Metropolitan Police said. The force added that the investigation has involved searching homes and vehicles, and more than 35 digital devices have been seized.

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