Overview

• A Reading Crown Court jury found Power not guilty of six counts of aggravated burglary and two counts of attempted aggravated burglary after a two-week trial concluding on 18 August.
• Prosecutors had removed an attempted murder charge before trial, while Power admitted four burglaries, three criminal damage offenses, one attempted burglary and possession of cannabis on 4 August.
• Police say a 11 February welfare check led to searches that uncovered weapons, restraints, masks, extensive notes including a 'kill list', the pub’s stolen CCTV recorder and keys, plus graves dug in nearby woodland.
• Investigators linked Power to three November 2024 break-ins at The White Hart in Hamstead Marshall, during which CCTV was disabled, property was taken and an attempt was made to access the flat above the pub when no occupants were present.
• Legal experts cited the case as highlighting difficulties in prosecuting non-terror mass‑killing plans under current UK law, which sets higher thresholds for attempted murder than for terrorism preparation offenses.