An 18-year-old obsessed with Adolf Hitler threatened a massacre at his college in Wales, leading police to uncover a nine-page manifesto titled ‘Theo Hopes Mass Murderer’ and Nazi salute videos.
The Incident Unfolds
Armed officers visited Theodore Hopes’ family home in Llandrindod Wells on December 8, 2024, after he commented about planning a school shooting. They confiscated a legally owned air rifle. Hopes, from Broadway House, sustained a minor hand injury from punching an oven and received treatment at Brecon police station.
Disturbing Statements and Evidence
During treatment, a healthcare practitioner asked Hopes about self-harm and violent intentions. He responded calmly: “I can’t. They have taken my gun away from me but I can still go in and stab people.” Prosecutor Jason Howells revealed that Hopes admitted dreaming about killing people and targeting students at Newtown College, naming one individual. When questioned about suicide, he said: “Suicide by police.” The practitioner described his demeanor as “calm, cold, and matter of fact,” with eyes that seemed “dead behind the eyes.”
A phone search exposed images of samurai swords, Hitler videos with Nazi salutes, an English translation of Mein Kampf, and visits to gun and air rifle sites. Further searches showed interest in human skulls, pipe bombs, mass suicides, school attacks, terrorist incidents, and knife attack reports.
Court Hearing and Sentencing
At Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, Hopes pleaded guilty to making threats to kill. The manifesto, addressed to political parties, media, and the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, bore the subheading “Manifesto, the end of Theo Hopes.” Recorder Paul Lewis KC noted Hopes intended to distribute it after committing a serious crime and his own death.
Defense counsel Martha Smith-Higgins highlighted Hopes’ remorse, isolation due to mental health issues, alcohol, and drug use. Two Prevent referrals aimed to curb his extreme material access, and he now takes prescribed medication. The judge described his views as “misogynistic and far right,” with a fascination for weapons, bombs, school attacks, and Nazi content.
Considering his prior good character and 3.5 months in custody, Recorder Lewis imposed a two-year community order, including 30 days of rehabilitation activities and 12 months of phone and SIM card monitoring by probation.
