A man from South London, currently facing trial at the Old Bailey for allegedly promoting terrorism, has referred to his messages in a Telegram chat group as “nonsense,” “rubbish,” and “gibberish.”

Paul Martin is accused of advocating for the use of explosives, severe violence, and disruption as a means to sway the government or intimidate the populace, with over 16,000 posts made in the Resistance UK group.

The 60-year-old became a member of the Telegram chat group during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During his trial on Monday, Mr. Martin conveyed to his defense lawyer, Dominic Thomas, that there had been “a lot of bravado” reflected in the group’s discussions.

Residing in South Norwood, Mr. Martin admitted to possessing a stun gun, but refutes allegations of stockpiling weapons for terrorist activities.

The Resistance UK group deliberated over the COVID-19 pandemic and protests against government-imposed restrictions during that period.

The jury was informed about a suggestion from one group member that the lockdowns could ultimately result in a complete erosion of free speech.

Mr. Martin, who denies the charge of encouraging terrorism, wrote: “Not in my lifetime. I will take up arms.”

When asked by his defense attorney whether he intended to incite actual violence, he responded, “No.”

He explained to the jury, “I was simply speaking nonsense. I was articulating thoughts as they came to my mind. It was just a perspective I held at that moment. I felt like we were moving toward a tyrannical situation.”

The court also heard that Mr. Martin proposed the idea of a rebellion with thousands of armed insurgents, acknowledging that “lives would be lost on both sides.”

When questioned by his barrister if he had ever “commanded men in battle,” Mr. Martin replied that he had not, adding, “Only in paintball.”

He asserted in court that he would never wish to harm anyone. “I was merely thinking out loud and typing it,” he said.

The trial is ongoing.