David Copeland

David John Copeland (born May 15, 1976) is a former member of the British neo-Nazi National Socialist Movement who became known as the "London nailbomber" after a 12-day bombing campaign in April 1999 aimed at London's black, Asian, and gay communities.

Related Topics:
May 15 - 1976 - Neo-Nazi - National Socialist Movement - 1999 - Black - Asian - Gay

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Over three successive weekends, Copeland placed homemade nail bombs, each containing up to 1,500 four-inch nails, outside a supermarket in Electric Avenue, Brixton, an area of south London with a large black population; in Brick Lane in the east end of London, which has a large Asian community; and in the Admiral Duncan pub in Soho's Old Compton Street, the heart of London's gay community. No warnings were given before the bombs exploded.

Related Topics:
Homemade - Nail bomb - Brixton - South London - Brick Lane - Admiral Duncan pub - Soho - Old Compton Street

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The attacks claimed three lives, all in the Admiral Duncan pub bombing. Andrea Dykes, 27, who was four months pregnant with her first child, died along with her friends and hosts for the evening, Nick Moore, 31, and John Light, 32, the latter of whom was to be the baby's godfather. Andrea's husband, Julian Dykes, was seriously injured. The four friends from Essex had met up in the Admiral Duncan to celebrate Andrea's pregnancy when the bomb exploded after being taped inside a sports bag and left near the bar. A total of 129 people were injured in the three attacks, with four of the victims losing limbs and 26 suffering serious burns.

Related Topics:
Pregnant - Godfather - Essex - Losing limbs - Burns

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Although Copeland was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and a personality disorder, his plea of diminished responsibility was not accepted by the prosecution. He was convicted of murder on June 30, 2000, and received six life sentences.

Related Topics:
Paranoid schizophrenia - Personality disorder - Diminished responsibility - Murder - June 30 - 2000 - Life sentences

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