Scottish neo-Nazi who spread instructions on how to build a DIY machine gun convicted of terrorism

A Scottish neo-Nazi who shared information on how to build a DIY machine gun has been convicted of terrorism.

James Farrell, 32, today admitted an offence under the Terrorism Act and also pleaded guilty to expressing anti-Semitic, racist and neo-Nazi views.

He had been in contact with like-minded individuals from the north east of England and other parts of the UK using the messaging service Telegram, where they shared instructions on how to assemble a homemade automatic weapon.

In March last year, members of this group were also convicted of offences under the Terrorism Act.

During their trial, it was heard that they exchanged terror manuals, shared racist ideology and posted videos of atrocities.

James Farrell, 32, today admitted an offence under the Terrorism Act and also pleaded guilty to expressing anti-Semitic, racist and neo-Nazi views

And Farrell, of Pollok, Glasgow, admitted his crimes at the High Court in Glasgow today (Thurs).

Following the hearing, Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Houston, Police Scotland’s Head of Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit, said: ‘Farrell not only expressed views which are totally unacceptable in a civilised society but his actions in sharing material of this nature had the potential of significantly endangering the public.

‘His conviction is testament to the work of Police Scotland officers and shows the value of working in partnership with our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing across the UK.

‘Police Scotland is grateful for the assistance of Counter Terrorism officers from the North East of England, who initiated the investigation which led to Farrell’s activities being uncovered.

‘James Farrell’s conviction sends out a clear message that terrorist activities of any nature will not be tolerated and Police Scotland officers will continue to investigate anyone who engages in criminality linked to extreme groups or ideologies.’

Detective Chief Superintendent Jim Dunkerley, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, added: ‘Given the online nature of many terrorist and extremist networks, it is not unusual for operations to cross regional and national borders.

The group shared instructions on how to assemble a homemade automatic weapon on messaging service Telegram

‘Alongside our CT policing colleagues across the UK, we will always seek to share or respond to intelligence which indicates offences are being committed.

‘Our enquiries revealed that subjects from the North East investigation were engaging with Farrell in a chat group, and it was appropriate that this information was passed to Police Scotland for further investigation.

‘As a network, we are committed to taking a coordinated approach, and to jointly act on any information which potentially signals terrorist activity.

‘After all, in some circumstances, the safety of our communities may rely on it.’