Alan Edward, 55, from Falkirk, has been sentenced to an extended 15-year term for terrorism, firearms, public order, and drug offences following a comprehensive investigation by Police Scotland’s Counter Terrorism Unit, according to a press release.
Edward was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow to 10 years in prison, followed by five years on licence. He was also made subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order for five years post-release and must comply with notification requirements under the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 for 30 years.
The investigation, launched under Operation Lightbox, uncovered Edward’s promotion of a banned far-right Neo-Nazi group online. Between 2017 and 2022, he shared racist, homophobic, and violent content, including material from the group National Action. His posts included praise for the 3D printing of firearms and calls for support for the banned organisation.
When armed police searched Edward’s home in Falkirk in September 2022, they discovered a large cache of weapons described as an “armoury.” This included:
- A crossbow with telescopic sights
- 14 knives, some featuring Nazi insignia
- Machetes, a Samurai sword, and a stun gun disguised as a torch
- Skull masks and crossbow hunting tips
The search also revealed a rear bedroom converted into a cannabis cultivation site.
Edward was found guilty of multiple charges under the Terrorism Act, including possessing weapons with the intent to commit acts of terrorism, inciting racial and antisemitic hatred, and promoting Holocaust denial. Additional charges included firearms offences and producing and supplying cannabis.
Sineidin Corrins, Deputy Procurator Fiscal for Specialist Casework at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said:
“Alan Edward gloried in being a propagandist for an extremist ideology, which exists for a malign purpose, and invited others to support those views. The offences he committed were deeply disturbing. But he will now spend a lengthy period in prison to account for his crimes.”
Detective Superintendent Stephen Clark, Head of Counter Terrorism Investigations at Police Scotland, emphasised the dangers posed by Edward’s actions:
“Holding an array of weaponry posed a clear and significant risk to the public which underlines the importance of him being brought to justice. 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.”
Police Scotland reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism and urged the public to report any suspicious behaviour or threats by contacting 101 immediately.
