Man admits terrorism offence after arrest at reenactment event at Stohnam Aspal in Suffolk

A man has admitted claiming to be a member of the Wagner Group after he was arrested at a combat and reenactment event in Suffolk.

Piotr Kucharski, 49, of The Glebe, Watford, was convicted of professing to be a member of the banned military group on Friday.

Kucharski attended a combat and reenactment event in Stonham Aspal in Suffolk, in October last year - despite previously being banned from the group.

While at the event, he threatened other participants telling people he was a member of the Wagner Group and had previously fought in Ukraine.

Following a disagreement with another attendee, Kucharski made a cutthroat symbol and while walking away began slashing the air with a knife.

Suffolk Police were called to the event and arrested the 49-year-old for a public order offence and possession of a bladed article.

He was then subsequently arrested under terrorism legislation after officers found Wagner Group badges sewn onto his camouflage jacket.

The investigation was then passed to the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) and Kucharski was later charged with professing to be a member of a proscribed organisation, contrary to section 11 (1) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

At a hearing at the central criminal court in London, Kucharski pleaded guilty to the offence after amending a previous not guilty plea.

He is due to be sentenced at the same court on Friday, November 1.

Hannah Wilkinson, head of ERSOU, said: “Kucharski was clearly intent on causing alarm and distress by feigning membership of the Wagner Group, and he was promptly arrested after concerned members of the public raised the alarm about his behaviour.

“There’s no indication that Kucharski fought in Ukraine or was actually a member of Wagner Group, however pertaining to have done so is also a severe offence, particularly given he was very overt with his support for the banned group.

“Our teams work diligently to keep our region safe from the threat of terrorism, and we will continue to ensure those looking to cause harm and disruption in our communities are brought to justice.”