Jim Littlehales, defending, read a reference from a superior officer which described the chef as “excellent at mentoring junior members of the catering team” and said he worked to the highest standards.
The firearm Broadhurst made was not used to threaten anyone, he added.
Broadhurst was sentenced on the basis that he made the weapon and gunpowder so he would be taken seriously by other members of the extreme right-wing groups, the judge said.
After the sentencing, Det Ch Supt James Dunkerley – head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East – said: “Whilst Broadhurst pleaded guilty to these offences, he did not accept that his intent had a terrorist motivation.
“A thorough investigation was conducted which uncovered an extreme right-wing mindset and he was engaging in extensive conversations online with other individuals who hold similar views.
“He was proactively ordering components to make explosives, plus he amassed multiple weapons including firearms.
“After hearing the extensive evidence compiled throughout our investigation, the judge was satisfied his offending had a terrorist connection.”
Frank Ferguson, head of the special crime and counter terrorism division, added: “Mark Broadhurst was clearly interested in violence and developing weapons that had the ability to cause untold harm to innocent people.
“He was immersed in extremist material and maintained close contact with three now-convicted terrorists inspired by SS tactics and supremacist ideology over a prolonged period.”