Arson accused had 'extreme right-wing mindset'

A man with an "extreme right-wing mindset" embarked on a campaign of violence targeting a restaurant and 5G masts before he was arrested while carrying a crossbow, the Old Bailey has heard.

Milo Creese, 40, from Ottershaw in Surrey, denies eight charges including an attempt to set fire to the 3 Rooms Indian Restaurant in Chertsey, early on 31 October 2025.

Jurors heard Creese was caught on CCTV putting an envelope containing ball bearings through the restaurant's letterbox and setting fire to it, before fleeing on his bicycle.

The jury heard the fire did not spread beyond a porch because a door was shut, but residents in flats above had reported breathing difficulties.

Opening the case for the prosecution, Lyndon Harris said Creese also tried to set fire to two separate telecoms equipment sites in Surrey.

Harris said Creese's extreme mindset involved a hatred of Muslims and a belief some atrocities were linked to 5G masts, and his conduct was committed "in furtherance of what the prosecution says is an extreme right-wing ideology".

"All of this conduct, the prosecution say, was committed in connection with a terrorist purpose," he said.

Jurors heard that in first attack at Spinney Hill, Addlestone, on 20 November Creese had set light to a rucksack containing rashers of bacon and a can of brake cleaner, which, the prosecution said, was used as an accelerant.

A witness allegedly saw a man running away from the fire, shouting: "Go away, it's going to blow."

The second attack on 21 November saw Creese setting fire to a binbag next to a broadband cabinet, jurors heard.

Nine minutes later, Chertsey resident Hamaik Donsanjh also telephoned the police, the court was told.

She had heard a loud bang and then "worked out that the bang was in fact a bolt from a crossbow that had come through the window", Harris said.

The court heard Creese was Tasered, but it was claimed this had had no effect and he then assaulted two officers as they arrested him.

An examination of Creese's computer revealed his extreme right-wing ideology, including a desire for violence against Muslims, the court was told.

The court heard Creese accepted carrying out the acts but claims he was insane.

Creese watched the court proceedings on a videolink from a psychiatric hospital.

Creese, from Murray Road, denies arson with intent to endanger life, three offences of arson damaging property, having an offensive weapon in public, and two assaults on an emergency worker.

The case continues.

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