An 18-year-old Hitler enthusiast from Llandrindod Wells, Wales, faces consequences after authorities discovered a disturbing ‘Mass Murderer’ manifesto and Nazi-related materials linked to threats of a school shooting at his college.

Police Intervention at Family Home

Armed officers visited the teenager’s father’s house in Llandrindod Wells on December 8 last year following reports of threats. Theodore Hopes, residing at Broadway House, mentioned planning a school shooting during the encounter. Officers seized a legally owned air rifle and took him to Brecon police station.

At the station, a healthcare practitioner treated a minor cut on his hands from punching an oven. When questioned about self-harm or suicidal thoughts, Hopes responded to the idea of killing others: “I can’t. They have taken my gun away from me but I can still go in and stab people.”

Prosecutor’s Account and Interviews

Prosecutor Jason Howells detailed that Hopes admitted dreaming about killing people and intending to enter Newtown College, where he studied, to shoot individuals. He named a specific target but provided no further details. Regarding his own death, he stated: “Suicide by police.”

The practitioner described Hopes’ demeanor as “calm, cold, and matter of fact,” noting he appeared “dead behind the eyes.” During a formal interview, Hopes claimed no memory of the conversation and denied any plans for a school shooting.

Shocking Digital Evidence

A search of Hopes’ phone revealed a nine-page document titled ‘Theo Hopes Mass Murderer,’ addressed to political parties, media organizations, and the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner. Its subheading read: “Manifesto, the end of Theo Hopes.”

Recorder Paul Lewis KC noted during sentencing that Hopes intended to distribute the manifesto after committing a serious crime and his own death. Additional findings included images of Samurai swords, a video of Hopes performing a Nazi salute while watching Adolf Hitler footage, an English translation of Mein Kampf, and visits to gun and air rifle sites.

Further material showed research into human skulls and bones for sale, pipe bombs, mass suicides, secondary school attacks, terrorist incidents, and school knife attack reports.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

Hopes pleaded guilty to making threats to kill at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court. Of previous good character, his defense counsel Martha Smith-Higgins highlighted his remorse, attributing the behavior to isolation from mental health struggles, alcohol, and drug use. Two referrals to the Prevent program aimed to curb his exposure to extremist content, and he now receives medication.

Recorder Lewis characterized Hopes’ views as “misogynistic and far right,” stating: “You have developed troubling and potentially dangerous thoughts and ideas. You are a young man with troubled attitudes and beliefs. You have a fascination with weapons, bombs, school attacks, and Nazi materials.”

Having served three and a half months in custody, Hopes received a two-year community order, including a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and a 12-month prohibited activity requirement for probation-monitored phone and SIM card usage.