Extremist library creator handed supervision order
Joseph Cope, found unfit to stand trial, was convicted of creating an online library of extreme right-wing material.
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From the archive. This story was written up on 29 July 2026 from reporting first published on 17 April 2026, which is the date shown above. We took up the back catalogue of the local titles we read when this site launched, so the events are older than the page.
Joseph Cope, aged 20, has been given a two-year supervision order after a jury determined he created an online collection of extreme right-wing content. The Old Bailey heard that Cope, from Borehamwood, used social media between September 2021 and June 2022 to encourage terrorism. His mental health deteriorated significantly after his arrest in June 2022, leading to him being found unfit to stand trial. However, a jury conducted a trial of issue in February and found that Cope had committed the alleged acts.
Online content and discovery
The court was informed that Cope had posted material on a Telegram channel named Serano’s Division. He also uploaded hundreds of extreme right-wing documents to a separate channel called the Great Library Of Thule. Prosecutor Dan Pawson-Pounds KC stated that some of these documents contained instructions on how to cause mass public disorder and incited violence against racial groups. The prosecutor added that by linking to this channel, Cope was effectively offering a service for others to access such documents. A search of Cope's home in Borehamwood following his June 2022 arrest uncovered hundreds of similar documents on his computer, which were deemed potentially useful to someone preparing or committing an act of terrorism. Police also found extreme far-right books and a black snood associated with such ideologies.
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Legal proceedings and sentencing
Cope faced charges including encouraging terrorism, disseminating terrorist publications, and possessing information useful to a terrorist. At the hearing on April 17, Judge Mark Lucraft KC imposed the two-year supervision order. Mr Pawson-Pounds argued for the order due to the nature and duration of Cope's activities, noting his mindset was consistent with neo-Nazi militancy and accelerationism. The prosecutor suggested the order would provide comfort, given his behaviour was linked to his mental health issues.
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Questions this report answers
+Why was Joseph Cope given a supervision order instead of a prison sentence?
Joseph Cope was given a two-year supervision order because he was found unfit to stand trial due to significant mental health deterioration after his arrest. The judge decided this approach would provide better support and comfort given the link between his actions and mental health issues.
+What kind of material did Joseph Cope share online?
Joseph Cope shared hundreds of extreme right-wing documents on a Telegram channel called the Great Library Of Thule, including instructions on causing mass public disorder and inciting violence against racial groups. Police also found similar documents and far-right books at his home in Borehamwood.
+How long did Joseph Cope's online activities last?
Joseph Cope's online activities lasted from September 2021 to June 2022, during which he used social media to encourage terrorism. His activities were uncovered after his arrest in June 2022, leading to further investigations.
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