A 55-year-old man has been sentenced for terrorism and firearms offences following an investigation by officers from Police Scotland’s Counter Terrorism Unit.
Alan Edward, from Falkirk, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday, 19 December, 2024.
Edward promoted a banned far-right Neo-Nazi group online and kept a large quantity of wea
pons. He also incited racial and anti-Semitic hatred and Holocaust denial.
When officers attended at his address in the Wholequarter Avenue area of Falkirk in September 2022, a number of weapons were seized.
Enquiries established that between December 2017 and September 2022, he posted and shared videos, memes, and images online of a racist, homophobic, and violent nature, including information associated with extreme right-wing groups.
Following a trial, he was found guilty at the High Court in Stirling on Monday, 16 September.
Detective Superintendent Stephen Clark, Head of Counter Terrorism Investigations at Police Scotland, said: “Edward shared extreme racist and homophobic content online with the aim of stirring up hatred and spreading fear and alarm. His complete disregard for the corrosive impact this could have on our communities heightened these dangerous actions.
“It is entirely unacceptable to promote terrorism or extremism, and this conviction displays how we will not hesitate to investigate online or offline behaviour which breaches terrorism or other criminal legislation.
“Holding an array of weaponry posed a clear and significant risk to the public which underlines the importance of him being brought to justice.
“We are committed to combatting terrorism and help and support from the public is vital. Anyone with information on a terrorist threat should contact Police Scotland on 101 immediately.”
Communities defeat terrorism, and information from the public is vital to counter terrorism investigations.
If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious and think someone may be engaging in terrorist activity, trust your instincts and act by reporting it in confidence at www.gov.uk/act or call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, dial 999.
Visit the ACT Early website to find out how you can seek help and support for anyone who you suspect may be being radicalised.