Neo-Nazi with Arsenal Sentenced to a Decade in Prison for Plotting LGBT Attack

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Alan Edward, a 55-year-old neo-Nazi from Redding, Falkirk, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after police uncovered an arsenal of weapons in his home and evidence of his intention to carry out a terror attack against an LGBT group. Edward’s plans came to light during an investigation that revealed his extremist ideology and communication detailing violent threats.  

 

In September 2022, armed officers from Police Scotland raided Edward’s residence, seizing an alarming cache of weapons that included a crossbow, machetes, a tomahawk, a samurai sword, knuckledusters, an extendable baton, a stun gun, and a variety of knives—some adorned with Nazi and SS insignia. Additional items recovered included an air pistol, a skull mask resembling SS regalia, goggles, a respirator, hardened-knuckle gloves, and hunting tips for crossbow arrows. Prosecutors referred to the collection as an “armoury,” indicative of his dangerous intent.

 

Edward’s violent ambitions were discovered through a series of WhatsApp messages where he discussed targeting an LGBT group in Falkirk. Among his chilling remarks, Edward stated, “They have been pushing their luck for years, now they will pay in blood.” He also suggested carrying out the attack masked, saying, “We should get masked up and go do a few of them in at their little gay club.”  

 

The court heard further evidence of Edward’s neo-Nazi ideology, including a document on his computer referring to Anders Breivik—the far-right extremist responsible for killing 77 people in Norway in 2011—as “Saint Anders.” Police Scotland’s Operation Lightbox investigation revealed that Edward had posted and shared racist, homophobic, and violent content online, along with materials associated with extreme right-wing groups.  

 

Detective Superintendent Stephen Clark, head of counter-terrorism investigations at Police Scotland, described Edward’s actions as an effort to spread fear and hatred. “Edward shared extreme racist and homophobic content online with the aim of stirring up hatred and spreading fear and alarm,” Clark said.  

 

Edward first drew the attention of counter-terrorism officers when he posted a video of a National Action rally in 2016, shortly before the group was banned in the UK under the Terrorism Act. His online activity continued over several years, as he disseminated videos, memes, and images supporting neo-Nazi ideologies.  

 

Former Police Scotland superintendent and counter-terrorism expert Martin Gallagher emphasized the gravity of Edward’s potential threat, noting his idolization of Breivik. “I would not put someone who is acting alone on a different level from a group—they can be just as deadly,” Gallagher remarked.  

 

The case has left many shaken, with Christopher Clannachan of the Equality Network calling it “very frightening.” He highlighted the need for vigilance in combating the spread of extremist views that target marginalized groups.  

 

Edward’s sentence underscores the ongoing threat posed by far-right extremism and the importance of robust counter-terrorism efforts to prevent such individuals from carrying out acts of violence.

 

Based on a report by Sky News 2024-12-21