A man from Croydon who denied the existence of Covid-19 has been sent to prison for more than three years after encouraging an armed uprising using crossbows and explosives.
Online Calls for Violence
Paul Martin, aged 60, used a Telegram group called ‘The Resistance UK’ to post thousands of messages advocating violent attacks. Over the course of his activity, he shared approximately 16,000 messages with the group's members.
In these posts, Martin described the pandemic as a ‘hoax’ and labelled vaccines a ‘poison designed to kill you off’. He framed the situation as a “silent war” and actively encouraged others to acquire weapons, specifically urging them to purchase crossbows and manufacture petrol bombs.
Arrest and Discovery of Weapons
Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing arrested Martin at his home in Croydon on 28 September 2021. A subsequent search uncovered a cache of concerning items, which included:
- Two crossbows
- A large knife
- Multiple air guns
- Drones
- A powerful torch
Trial and Sentencing at the Old Bailey
Following a two-week trial at the Old Bailey, Martin was found guilty of encouraging terrorism, an offence under section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2006. The jury acquitted him of a separate charge of possessing articles for terrorist purposes.
He had previously entered a guilty plea to possession of a prohibited weapon, namely a stun gun, contrary to the Firearms Act 1968. On 18 December 2025, the court sentenced Paul Martin to three years and three months' imprisonment.
Police Statement on the Case
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, commented on the case. He stated that Martin’s actions “went way beyond lawful comment or protest” and crossed into actively encouraging others to commit violent acts.
“Anyone who advocates violence in this way can expect to be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Commander Murphy said. He added that while single-issue terrorism remains a small part of their work, they remain alert to evolving threats linked to social and political events.
