Official court records and news reports

London Man, 55, Found Guilty of Encouraging Terrorism Over Covid-19 Conspiracy Theories

Sep 14, 2024, 07:47 AM

Patrick Ruane, a 55-year-old man from London, has been found guilty of encouraging terrorism charges over Covid-19 conspiracy theories. Ruane, an anti-vaccination conspiracy theorist, suggested violent actions, including 'whacking' Professor Sir Chris Whitty over the head with a rounders bat. The conviction followed an investigation by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command. Ruane spread his conspiracy theories and encouraged violent acts online through the messaging platform Telegram. The trial took place at the Old Bailey.