Terror book accused had "racist image of Meghan Markle's child"

Oliver Bel is accused of having The Anarchist Cookbook at his home in Salford in November 2019, which is banned under terrorist legislation.

The 24-year-old admits he had the book but claims it was for academic interest and as such he had a reasonable excuse under the legislation.

But prosecutors assert that his social media activity indicates he held far right views.

His posts had referred to Jews as “engaged in nepotism” and that “extermination was the best policy.”

He also said he lost a “homosexual friend” because he criticised their “behaviour” and “good riddance.”

His activities meant he came to the attention of the Prevent program who visited him while he was a Maths student at Cambridge University.

His tutor flagged up a post in which he said he wanted to go on a “spree.”

And yesterday the court heard there had been thousands of racist images on his phone.

Detective Inspector Philip Ogley, of counter terrorism told the court out of 144,163 images 2,153 were racist, nazi or antisemitic.

Prosecutor Joe Allman went through a selection of the racist content.

He said that one was of “Her Majesty the Queen with a black child wearing the crown.

“That must be a reference to the child of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle?”

Detective Inspector Ogley confirmed it was.

Mr Allman described another picture as “a Union flag held up saying we must secure the protection of our people and the future for white children.”

The court also heard there were pictures of quotes from Mein Kampf and one from Bobby Fischer stating Jews “use the United States to take over the world.”

The court also heard a statement from Bel which he made when he was arrested.

He said: "It is not criminal to possess that book, it is against my human rights to express an opinion, you can buy it on Amazon."

The trial of Bel, currently of Eccles Old Road in Salford and formerly of Ferneyfield Road in Chadderton, before Judge Alan Conrad QC, continues.