Butcher Patrick Patmore poses no risk to the community and does not need to go to jail, judge says

A butcher who collected “household torture techniques”, weapons and terrorist material poses no risk to the public and doesn’t need a jail cell, a judge says.

A butcher who made knives and bombs, and collected extremist material about “silent killing” and “household torture techniques”, poses no risk to the community and does not need to go to jail, a judge says.

On Tuesday, Patrick Patmore shifted from foot to foot and fidgeted with a cross as the District Court imposed a three-year, two-month and six-day sentence.

However, Judge Michael Burnett said Patmore had undergone significant rehabilitation for, and gained insight into, his offending while on bail – even though he remains a member of the National Socialist Network.

He said that warranted Patmore serving his time on home detention, not inside a correctional facility.

“You have a history of being obsessed by topics, which led to you being obsessed with the topics that form the subject of this offending,” he said.

“You have been formally diagnosed with ADHD and complex PTSD, and (doctors) believe you have undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“You’re still a member of the National Socialist Network (but) I accept you did not intend to use the explosive device, knives or weapons in your possession.

“They reflect your curiosity and your being obsessed with things … I am satisfied you do not pose a significant risk to the community.”

Patrick Patmore. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dean Martin

Patmore, 34, of Munno Para, faced a maximum seven-year prison term after pleading guilty to firearms, explosives, extremism and terrorism offences.

The court heard at the time of his arrest in April 2021, he was treasurer of the SA Men’s Health Club – a front for neo-Nazi extremist activity in the state.

In October, the court heard Patmore had spent the eight years prior to his arrest collecting manifestos of the world’s worst domestic terrorists.

He owned artwork that praised murderous racists as saints and had made a notation that the club “is not a social club – this is a revolutionary movement”.

Patmore also had a chart of the state’s mosques, a list of “persons of interest” and the instructions to make gunpowder.

He had completed one bomb prior to his arrest, had the materials for further explosive devices, and also possessed bullets, homemade knives and a battle axe.

Patmore had spent eight years compiling white supremacist material, the court heard. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dean Martin

On Tuesday, Judge Burnett said books in Patmore’s possession included “21 Techniques for Silent Killing” and “Household Torture Techniques”.

He also had a “radicalist’s guide” to “preserving the white gene pool” and manifestos by the Unabomber and Christchurch massacre shooter.

Judge Burnett said Patmore had endured drug abuse and a “difficult, lonely and seriously dysfunctional” childhood, leading him to the right-wing website “Stormfront” at 15.

He then befriended a “German man who became a surrogate father”, all of which led to him “embracing 21st century fascist” views.

A National Socialist Network sticker plastered onto a Fringe poster in Victoria Square during Patrick Patmore’s sentencing hearing. Picture: Sean Fewster

Judge Burnett said he accepted Patmore had joined right-wing groups not for “nefarious purposes” but to experience “a sense of belonging”.

“(Since your arrest) you have engaged with social inclusion programs (and) demonstrated a positive attitude, mentoring others in similar positions as yourself,” he said.

“You have said you have no interest in committing an act of terrorism … you have gained insight into your offending.

“I consider that you are a suitable person for home detention, and do not consider you serving your sentence (that way) poses a risk to the community.”

Patmore – who is banned from communicating with his fellow group members for the duration of his sentence – will be eligible to seek release on parole in 19 months’ time.