Latest news with #Blackheart
Mint
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Who is Dawn Richard? Key witness in Sean ‘Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial testifies against him
Dawn Richard, the acclaimed singer and former member of Danity Kane and Diddy – Dirty Money, emerged in the spotlight once again—not for her music, but as a pivotal witness in the high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering trial against hip-hop mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs. Following the emotional testimony of Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, Richard took the stand to reveal harrowing details of Combs' alleged physical abuse toward Cassie and threats aimed at silencing witnesses. Richard testified that Combs threatened her if she spoke about the violence she witnessed. She described a terrifying incident when Combs allegedly punched and kicked Cassie and even tried to strike her with a skillet. Richard said Combs warned her and others they 'could go missing' if they revealed what they saw—a phrase she interpreted as a death threat. Throughout her testimony, Richard detailed frequent episodes of physical abuse Combs inflicted on Cassie, including punching, choking, dragging, and slapping, often occurring unpredictably or in response to Cassie asserting herself. Born on August 5, 1983, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dawn Angeliqué Richard was born into a musically rich environment. Her father was a funk band lead singer, and her mother ran a dance school, nurturing her early artistic development. Dawn's breakthrough came in 2004 when she auditioned for MTV's Making the Band 3, becoming a member of the girl group Danity Kane, signed to Sean Combs' Bad Boy Records. The group enjoyed commercial success before disbanding in 2009. Richard then joined Diddy – Dirty Money, releasing the 2010 album Last Train to Paris. Launching a solo career in 2013, Dawn Richard distinguished herself with a unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music. Her albums, including Goldenheart (2013), Blackheart (2015), Redemptionheart (2016), New Breed (2019), and Second Line (2021), showcase her evolving artistry and her connection to New Orleans culture. Despite her musical success, Richard's testimony revealed the darker side of her association with Combs. Richard's court testimony not only exposes alleged physical abuse witnessed firsthand but also highlights the control Combs reportedly exerted over Cassie's career. She recounted hearing Combs claim he 'owned' Cassie and controlled when or if her music would be released. According to Richard, Combs reacted violently when others tried to help Cassie with songwriting or her career. The defense suggested Richard's motivation for testifying stemmed from anger over her career being affected by Combs ending Danity Kane and Diddy – Dirty Money and her pending lawsuit against him. Richard acknowledged she was saddened but insisted her lawsuit was about mistreatment and withheld earnings.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Nazi-worshipping trio's cache of swords and crossbows uncovered
A trio of Nazi-obsessed fanatics amassed a cache of swords, crossbows and a 3D-printed semi-automatic firearm in preparation for an attack on a mosque or a synagogue. Right-wing extremists Christopher Ringrose, 34, Marco Pitzettu, 25, and Brogan Stewart, 25, were found guilty of terrorism offences at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday. The men, who were part of a militant online group, claimed they were merely fantasists who never intended to carry out an attack. Credit: Counter Terrorism Policing North East However, the jury rejected their claims, and anti-terrorism detectives believe that if they had not been arrested, they would have carried out a mass casualty attack. A nine-week-long trial heard how the group, which had been infiltrated by undercover officers, idolised Hitler and the Nazis, shared racist slurs and glorified mass murderers. Ringrose had also 3D-printed most of the components of a semi-automatic firearm at the time of his arrest and was trying to get the remaining parts. Jurors were shown a video of a police firearms expert testing a completed version of the weapon to show it would have been viable. Opening the trial in March, Jonathan Sandiford KC, prosecuting, said: 'The prosecution say that these three defendants were Right-wing extremists who regarded themselves as National Socialists, or Nazis, and they supported the National Socialist movement in the UK, such as it is or indeed was.' He said the defendants followed a cause that embraced an admiration for Hitler, white supremacy, a 'hatred towards black and other non-white races', and glorification and admiration for mass killers who have targeted the black and Muslim community. The prosecutor told the jury that the defendants formed a group called Einsatz 14 in January 2024, with 'like-minded extremists' who wanted to 'go to war for their chosen cause'. He told the jury of seven men and five women that the men all held a 'belief that there must soon be a race war between the white and other races'. Credit: Counter Terrorism Policing North East Mr Sandiford said an undercover officer called Blackheart was also part of Einsatz 14 and was referred to as the 'Obergruppenführer'. Stewart developed a mission statement for the group that said its 'basic duties' were to 'target mosques, Islamic education centres and other similar locations'. The court heard the group discussed potential targets at the end of January 2024. The court heard Stewart sent Blackheart details of the Islamic education centre on Mexborough Road in Leeds, including a Google Maps image. Det Ch Supt James Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said the men had collected more than 200 weapons, including knives, swords, body armour and a stun gun. But he said that 'most concerning' was the fact they tried to acquire a gun and this led them to build a 3D-printed firearm. The officer said: 'We saw this building of a firearm, and we saw them then changing their conversation and an up-tick in their hatred and looking to identify a real-world target, which could have been talk of a synagogue, an Islamic institution, a mosque, education... 'When we saw that up-tick changing, and they were looking to come out into the real world, that's when we took the action to arrest them.' Mr Dunkerley said: 'That was a tipping point for us. The protection of the public was absolutely paramount, and this wasn't some fantasy.' He added: 'If they took that 3D-printed firearm onto the streets and discharged it, it would kill somebody.' Bethan David, head of the Crown Prosecution Service's Counter Terrorism Division, said: 'These extremists were plotting violent acts of terrorism against synagogues, mosques and an Islamic education centre. By their own admission, they were inspired by SS tactics and supremacist ideology. 'Had Christopher Ringrose managed to completely finish building the 3D-printed semi-automatic firearm that he had started, it could have been used, leading to devastating consequences.' Ringrose, of Cannock, Staffordshire; Pitzettu, of Mickleover, Derbyshire; and Stewart, of Tingley, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, were all found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism and charges of collecting information likely to be useful to a person preparing or committing an act of terrorism. Ringrose was also convicted of manufacturing a prohibited weapon, while Pitzettu pleaded guilty to obtaining an illegal stun gun at a previous hearing. The defendants will be sentenced on July 17. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
'Nazi' extremists planned 'race war' terror attacks with 3D-printed guns
Three men who believed a race war was imminent have been found guilty after a jury was told they were planning terrorist attacks on mosques and synagogues. Prosecutors told Sheffield Crown Court that Christopher Ringrose, Marco Pitzettu and Brogan Stewart were 'right-wing extremists' who were preparing to use firearms, explosives and a range of bladed weapons in attacks on mosques and synagogues when they were arrested in February 2024. The court heard that Stewart, 25, discussed with an undercover officer torturing a Muslim leader using his 'information extraction kit' which would "have the c**t singing out anything we want him to'. Today the jury returned guilty verdicts on all three men, who were charged with preparing acts of terrorism and charges of collecting information likely to be useful to a person preparing or committing an act of terrorism. During the trial the court heard the trio was arrested when security services believed an attack could be imminent after undercover officers infiltrated their group. Prosecutor Jonathan Sandiford KC said the defendants had acquired or were trying to acquire a 'wide variety of weapons' including swords, knives, axes, spears and crossbows as well as gathering information on explosives and firearms. He said the three were also gathering equipment such as riot shields, body armour and gas masks in readiness for a race war. He said the preparations they were making included 'taking steps to complete the manufacture' of a 3D printed semi-automatic firearm. He said the defendants - Ringrose, 34, Pitzettu, 25, and Stewart, 25, - followed a cause which embraced an admiration for Adolf Hitler, white supremacy, a 'hatred towards black and other non-white races', and glorification and admiration for mass killers who have targeted the black and Muslim community. The prosecutor told the jury that the defendants formed a group called Einsatz 14 in January 2024, with 'like-minded extremists' who wanted to 'go to war for their chosen cause'. He showed jurors a post by Stewart on a Telegram chat group called The National Socialist Movement of the United Kingdom which said: 'Nazis wanted what's best for the white people. 'They cared. They loved us so much they did everything in their power to save us from Jewish scum and for what? The world to be handed over to the hooked nosed creatures.' Stewart went on: 'Hitler did more for his people then any politician. And for Britain to have a p**i and zionist in charge of the country is absolutely outrageous'. Mr Sandiford said this last comment was a reference to the then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The jury was also shown a short video Stewart posted of himself wearing a German army helmet, a Nazi armband and a skull face covering, which the prosecutor said was associated with right-wing extremism. The court heard how Stewart discussed his thinking with an undercover officer he called Blackheart on the Telegram platform. Stewart told Blackheart they needed to establish a 'new einsatzgruppe', which was a reference to Adolf Hitler's notorious SS death squad, Mr Sandiford said. Stewart told the officer: 'I can't wait to hang me a paki… Hate them bro… they're a cancer that needs stamping out… F****** everywhere mate. 'Place is crawling with them… We need to establish a new einsatzgruppe to deal with it… it's the only way to secure the future of the white race.' Stewart later told Blackheart: 'Open warfare will be exceedingly hard. I suppose if target people of import first. Such as local imams who will probably be giving orders to foot soldiers.' The defendant explained to the officer how he had a 'information extraction kit', which included a blow torch, pliers, gaffer tape, a screwdriver, bleach and a syringe. According to the prosecutor, Stewart said: 'A couple of hours working on him will have the c**t singing out anything we want him to'. And he added that nothing 'loosened up' people 'like seeing a syringe filled with bleach'. Mr Sandiford said potential recruits were sent a vetting form with questions such as: 'What is your opinion on the historic paramilitary force, the SS?' and 'Out of so many different options, who would you say you hold most of your hatred for – kikes, n*****s, s**tskins, fags etc and why'. Stewart asked Ringrose to join the group, asking him: 'This is a militant unit. Are you willing to fight for your race?' Mr Sandiford said Ringrose replied with a GIF saying: 'That's why I'm here.' Ringrose's completed vetting form confirmed that he hated 'S**tskin c**ts coming on dingys' and 'Jews because they run everything and manipulate the masses', the prosecutor told the jury. Pitzettu's form said that the 'SS were proud men who believed in their country' and that he 'had a location filled with weaponry'. Ringrose, of Cannock, Staffordshire; Pitzettu, of Mickleover, Derbyshire; and Stewart, of Tingley, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, denied a charge of preparing acts of terrorism and charges of collecting information likely to be useful to a person preparing or committing an act of terrorism. Ringrose also denied manufacturing a prohibited weapon.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Terror-accused discussed torturing imams
One of three men accused of planning terrorist attacks discussed torturing a Muslim leader using an "information extraction kit", a court has heard. Brogan Stewart spoke of his thinking with an undercover police officer on a social media app, Sheffield Crown Court was told on Thursday. The jury had earlier heard Mr Stewart, 25, from West Yorkshire, Christopher Ringrose, 34, from Staffordshire, and Marco Pitzettu, 25, from Derbyshire, were "right-wing extremists" preparing to use firearms, explosives and blades in attacks. All three deny a charge of preparing acts of terrorism and charges of collecting information likely to be useful to a person preparing or committing an act of terrorism. Mr Ringrose also denies manufacturing a prohibited weapon. Jonathan Sandiford KC, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Stewart said to the undercover officer, who he called "Blackheart", that they needed to establish a "new einsatzgruppe" - a reference to Adolf Hitler's SS death squad. On the Telegram social media app, the defendant explained to the officer how he had what he called an "information extraction kit", which included a blowtorch, pliers, gaffer tape, a screwdriver, bleach and a syringe. Mr Stewart had detailed torturing victims such as "local imams" and added nothing "loosened up" people "like seeing a syringe filled with bleach", Mr Sandiford said. The prosecutor also explained how Mr Stewart had set up a group called Einsatz 14, with him as "Fuhrer" and Blackheart as the "Obergruppenfuhrer", which the other two defendants also joined. Mr Sandiford said that when Blackheart asked him about the group's ideology, Mr Stewart replied: "Personally, I've taken inspiration from the SS." He said Mr Stewart, from Tingley, near Leeds, added: "I also hope we can extort political rivals and potentially plan operations to meet migrants landing on our beaches and deal with them." The court heard that Mr Stewart sent the undercover officer a list of "standard uniform" for the group, which included a Black SS helmet, "mask, balaclava, skull face mask or anything to hide identity", as well as a swastika armband. Jurors were told by Mr Sandiford that the three men were arrested after security services believed an attack could be imminent. Mr Ringrose had begun to build a 3D-printed semi-automatic firearm and was trying to acquire the remaining parts, the prosecutor said. The trial continues. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
06-03-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Terror-accused discussed torturing imams
One of three men accused of planning terrorist attacks discussed torturing a Muslim leader using an "information extraction kit", a court has Stewart spoke of his thinking with an undercover police officer on a social media app, Sheffield Crown Court was told on jury had earlier heard Mr Stewart, 25, from West Yorkshire, Christopher Ringrose, 34, from Staffordshire, and Marco Pitzettu, 25, from Derbyshire, were "right-wing extremists" preparing to use firearms, explosives and blades in three deny a charge of preparing acts of terrorism and charges of collecting information likely to be useful to a person preparing or committing an act of terrorism. Mr Ringrose also denies manufacturing a prohibited weapon. 'Syringe with bleach' Jonathan Sandiford KC, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Stewart said to the undercover officer, who he called "Blackheart", that they needed to establish a "new einsatzgruppe" - a reference to Adolf Hitler's SS death the Telegram social media app, the defendant explained to the officer how he had what he called an "information extraction kit", which included a blowtorch, pliers, gaffer tape, a screwdriver, bleach and a Stewart had detailed torturing victims such as "local imams" and added nothing "loosened up" people "like seeing a syringe filled with bleach", Mr Sandiford prosecutor also explained how Mr Stewart had set up a group called Einsatz 14, with him as "Fuhrer" and Blackheart as the "Obergruppenfuhrer", which the other two defendants also joined. 'Extort rivals' Mr Sandiford said that when Blackheart asked him about the group's ideology, Mr Stewart replied: "Personally, I've taken inspiration from the SS."He said Mr Stewart, from Tingley, near Leeds, added: "I also hope we can extort political rivals and potentially plan operations to meet migrants landing on our beaches and deal with them."The court heard that Mr Stewart sent the undercover officer a list of "standard uniform" for the group, which included a Black SS helmet, "mask, balaclava, skull face mask or anything to hide identity", as well as a swastika were told by Mr Sandiford that the three men were arrested after security services believed an attack could be Ringrose had begun to build a 3D-printed semi-automatic firearm and was trying to acquire the remaining parts, the prosecutor trial continues. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
