Jailed neo-Nazi who named son ‘Adolf’ freed early despite vowing to ‘kill child’ – but they’re not sure he’s changed
A JAILED neo-Nazi who named his son “Adolf” will be freed early despite vowing to “kill a mixed race child” – but there’s uncertainty from decision makers that he’s actually changed.
Adam Thomas, 27, and partner Claudia Patatas, then 38 – who posed in Ku Klux Klan robes with their own child – were found guilty of being members of the extreme right-wing organisation National Action.
The group was banned in 2016.
The Parole Board directed his release following a hearing on March 27 but admitted it “could not be satisfied” its work with the Holocaust denier had been effective.
Thomas, from Banbury, Oxfordshire, was handed a six-and-a-half-year sentence at Birmingham Crown Court in 2018 – while “remorseless” Patatas got a five-year jail term.
The Daily Mail reports a summary revealed: “Having considered the index offence, relevant patterns of previous behaviour and the other evidence before it, the panel listed as risk factors those influences which made it more likely that Mr Thomas would reoffend.
“Evidence was presented at the hearing regarding Mr Thomas’ progress and custodial conduct during this sentence.
“He had engaged with some work to explore his political and religious views.
“Mr Thomas then completed work on his offending behaviour, including an accredited programme to address extremist offending and ways of disengaging.
“Witnesses could not be satisfied that the work had been effective, however, it was noted that Mr Thomas was now very aware of the legal implications of his past behaviour.”
It went on to say that he had “since engaged” with further sessions to explore his ideology and “no further work” was identified for him to complete in custody.
Who are National Action?
NEO-NAZI movement National Action became the first extreme-right hate group in Britain to be banned as a terrorist organisation.
National Action describes itself as a “National Socialist youth organisation” and says its movement is aimed at the “broken right-wing”.
A statement on its website says: “We carry out demonstrations, publicity stunts, and other activities in order to grow and spread our message, that of National Socialism.”
The group also boasts of cultivating a “tough image” to dissuade opponents from physical confrontation, while contesting their label as violent extremists.
In December 2016, then-Home Secretary Amber Rudd added National Action to the list of banned organisations under the Terrorism Act 2000.
She said at the time: “National Action is a racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic organisation which stirs up hatred, glorifies violence and promotes a vile ideology, and I will not stand for it.
“It has absolutely no place in a Britain that works for everyone.”
National Action was made a proscribed group as it has been assessed to be “concerned in terrorism”.
Thomas’ original planned release was July. The Board opted that he would still need to be monitored once released.
He will be moved into designated accommodation, with limits put on his movements and activities, as well as who he can contact.
Thomas will be subject to GPS tracking, signing-in times and a curfew.
Patatas was released two years ago – long before her sentence ended.
Police found a Ku Klux Klan outfit and an array of weapons, including machetes during a search of the couple’s home in 2018.
The Jewish community has said the decision is “dumbfounding”.
The Community Security Trust and Campaign Against Antisemitism have both criticised the move.
A spokesperson for the CST told the Mail the case “highlights the serious challenge posed by the release of extremists” when there is “no guarantee” they have seen the error of their views.
They added that it is “vital” authorities keep a close eye on Thomas.
A spokesperson for CAA questioned how the Parole Board could deem him eligible for release when it cannot be satisfied with the effectiveness of work Thomas was required to do.
Police previously said the couple’s child will be subject to “normal safeguarding procedures” and his future is for social workers to decide.
Oxfordshire County Council has previously refused to confirm if the child will be reunited with his parents “for reasons of confidentially and safeguarding”.
A spokesperson for the Parole Board told The Sun: “We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has directed the release of Adam Thomas following an oral hearing.
“Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.
“A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.
“Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing.
“Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing.
“It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.”
The Sun has contacted the Parole Board for comment.