Oliver Lewin, 38, planned attacks due to opposing the Tory government 
He tried to stir up a movement of individuals on the Telegram messaging site
He was found guilty at Birmingham Crown Court and will be sentenced next year

A conspiracy theorist is facing jail after being found guilty of plotting terror attacks on critical national infrastructure in a bid to ‘topple the British government’.

Oliver Lewin, 38, planned a series of widespread coordinated attacks which included ‘taking out’ motorways and firebombing phone, radio and TV masts.

A court heard that he wanted to cause mass disruption to the UK’s communication systems and travel infrastructure after becoming ‘obsessed’ with the idea that the country was being controlled by ‘Jewish elites reporting directly to Israel’.

The former AV engineer was also deeply opposed to the Tory government and believed that ‘white people across Europe were being systematically killed by the vaccine’ in a ‘planned genocide’. 

Due to believing this and that the Coronavirus had ‘triggered the emergence of a Chinese communist system’ in Britain, Lewin set about trying to destabilise the Government.

He did this by stirring up a movement of like-minded individuals via the encrypted messaging site Telegram.

In a series of messages it was claimed that he wrote: ‘We are at war people make no mistake…Peaceful marching has not and will not do anything.

‘You have to choose a better strategy.

‘I have one that I think will work but it involves staying out in the wild for a few days at a time.’       

Annabel Darlow KC, told the court: ‘In 2021 Oliver Lewin was deeply opposed to the government of the United Kingdom. Mr Lewin stated in terms that his goal was to topple the British government.

‘He believed it was dominated by Jewish elites who took orders from Israel.

‘At the same time he saw the spread of the Coronavirus across the world as triggering as what he termed as the emergence of a Chinese communist system.’

Lewin discussed targeting the M1 and M42 motorways and police later found him in possession of a manual on his laptop entitled: ‘Civilian Resistance Operation’, in which he encouraged readers to join his cause and commit attacks.

He stated: ‘For now there are several things that we can collectively do to cause significant damage to the country and send a message that we are serious in our mission.’ 

Lewin made his preparations between July and August last year. 

Undercover officers also discovered he had purchased military-style equipment and he was found with three air rifles and a rifle scope.

Officers also seized a pistol, BB gun, a walkie talkie and binoculars as well as a packed rucksack to camp overnight. 

Ms Darlow continued: ‘Mr Lewin engaged in reconnaissance of potential targets to attack, purchased equipment and tools, dug a hideout and sought other persons to commit and/or assist in committing acts of terrorism.’

Lewin, of Coalville, Leicestershire, was trialled after being accused of engaging in the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism.

Today he was found guilty of the charge by a jury sitting at Birmingham Crown Court and will be sentenced at a later date.

The trial was told that Lewin, who previously installed and maintained radio masts, carried out meticulous research online into systems to identify weaknesses of the masts.

He also carried out on-site research during reconnaissance missions in his local area and even built a hideout so could hide from police helicopter.

One of his plots included damaging a culvert which disrupted water flow underneath the M1 motorway.

He carried out training exercises, taught himself to walk in the dark and how to avoid travelling by road at night.

Lewin, who also claimed in Telegram chats he was ex-military, was arrested on August 25 where he claimed he was only a fantasist.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands CTU, Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Payne, said after the case: ‘In interview, Lewin claimed he was a fantasist.

‘But it is clear he took the steps to carry out reconnaissance of targets to attack, bought equipment and tools, dug hide-outs and tried to recruit and train others.

‘He wanted to advance a political cause by damaging property and wiping out media organisations.

‘Extremists use this kind of ideology to create discord, distrust and fear among our communities and we strive to counter this.’

Nick Price, Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, also said: ‘Oliver Lewin planned to commit a terror attack on our nation’s infrastructure by amassing a huge amount of equipment, and undertaking reconnaissance.

‘He not only was committed to the idea that violence was the only way to overthrow the government, but he also sought to persuade others to join him.

‘These beliefs are extremely dangerous, and I am pleased that a jury has found him guilty of these crimes.’

Lewin is due to be sentenced on January 20 next year.

Daily Mail