A 54-year-old man from Falkirk has been convicted of terrorism and firearms offences following an investigation by Police Scotland’s Counter Terrorism Unit, according to a press release from Counter Terrorism police.
Alan Edward was found guilty at the High Court in Stirling on Monday, 16 September 2024, after a trial. He will be sentenced at a later date.
The investigation began in September 2022, when police officers attended Edward’s home in the Wholequarter Avenue area of Falkirk. A significant number of weapons were seized during the search.
Further inquiries revealed that, between December 2017 and September 2022, Edward had been posting and sharing online content of a racist, homophobic, and violent nature, much of which was linked to extreme right-wing groups.
Detective Chief Superintendent David Ferry, Head of Police Scotland’s Counter Terrorism Unit, commented on the case, stating, “Edward shared extreme racist and homophobic content online with the aim of stirring up hatred and spreading fear and alarm. He also had a clear fascination with weapons and had amassed an array of items which could clearly pose a significant risk to the public.”
Police Scotland stressed that the promotion of terrorism and extremism, whether online or offline, poses a serious threat to public safety. “Promoting terrorism and extremism and sharing material that could endanger the public has no place in our society and Police Scotland will not hesitate to investigate this kind of behaviour,” Ferry added.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report any potential terrorist threats, stressing that community involvement is crucial in the fight against extremism. “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,” Ferry said.
Edward’s sentencing is yet to be scheduled, but his conviction highlights the ongoing efforts by Police Scotland to tackle terrorism and protect public safety.
