The Liverpool court sentenced a 40-year-old man to three years’ imprisonment for burning a cell tower. He thought the 5G mast was related to the spread of the coronavirus.

Analysis of data from his smartphone revealed that the manager had searched the internet for theories linking 5G to the virus before setting fire to the equipment under the Vodafone mast.

The man, who already has 29 convictions to his name, including for assault and possession of a firearm, has confessed to guilt.

“I believe there was a high degree of preparation and thoughtfulness,” said the judge at the hearing.

“Firelighters were used and the intention was to shut down the mast and cause significant damage to the property of others,” he added.

According to the Public Prosecution Service, the mast was out of use for 11 days and the damage is estimated at 10,000 to 15,000 pounds (11,200 to 16,800 euros).

In the UK, tens of masts have already been set on fire or attempted to do so. Campaigners believe that radiation from antennas is bad for health and the environment. There is no evidence for this: studies show that the radiation is far too low to be harmful. It would also be suggested that there is a link between 5G and the coronavirus.