Man sentenced for terrorism and firearms offences in Falkirk

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.

Following a trial, he was found guilty at the High Court in Stirling on Monday, 16 September.

Edward promoted a banned far-right Neo-Nazi group online and kept a large quantity of weapons. He also incited racial and antisemitic 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.

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.”