Neo-Nazi Alan Edward is facing a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of multiple terrorism offences in Scottland.
Edward, 54, had amassed an arsenal of weapons with the intent of targeting the LGBTQ+ community. He was found guilty following an 11-day trial at the High Court in Stirling.
Edward, a former journalist with almost 28,000 social media followers, denied the Holocaust, mocked the murder of George Floyd, and encouraged support for a banned far-right terrorist group. Among his disturbing online posts, he stated that “the quickest way to someone’s heart is with a high-power 7.62mm round” and referred to Norwegian mass murderer Anders Breivik as “Saint Anders.”
During a raid on his home in Redding, Falkirk, in September 2022, armed police discovered a collection of weapons, including a crossbow with telescopic sights, knives bearing Nazi insignia, a samurai sword, and a stun gun. Prosecutors described the collection as an “armoury.” The police also found Edward had been growing cannabis to sell.
Investigators uncovered chilling exchanges between Edward and an associate, in which they discussed attacking an LGBTQ+ group in Falkirk. Edward also made numerous racist, antisemitic, and homophobic comments, including suggesting it was “time to hunt the f*****s down and beat them” and calling for violent attacks on Jews and transgender people.
Edward had been active on Gab, a social media platform known for its loose moderation and popularity among extremists. His posts glorified the far-right terrorist group National Action, which was banned in the U.K. in 2016. He posted a video of a National Action rally featuring Nazi salutes and antisemitic rhetoric, timed to coincide with Juneteenth, a U.S. holiday marking the end of slavery.
During the trial, Detective Sergeant Campbell Flockhart testified that Edward’s posts frequently incited violence, including a meme mocking George Floyd’s murder. Edward was also found guilty of Holocaust denial, hate speech, and breach of the peace. In his defence, Edward claimed his weapon collection was for outdoor pursuits and dismissed his violent posts as hyperbole.
Sentencing is scheduled for 21 October at the High Court in Edinburgh, where an assessment for a Serious Crime Prevention Order will also be considered, potentially ensuring lifetime monitoring of Edward’s activities following his release.
