A man found in possession of explosive items and extreme right-wing paraphernalia at a flat in Meadowbank has been jailed for twelve years.
At Edinburgh High Court on Friday 13th July 2018, Peter Morgan was found guilty of two offences under the Terrorism Act 2000 and one offence under the Explosive Substances Act 1883.
Officers were conducting enquiries into the death of a teenage woman, who was found unconscious within a stairwell at a block of flats in Taylor Place in July 2017, when Morgan’s offences were discovered.
As part of officers’ enquiries into the full circumstances surrounding her death, entry was forced to the 35-year-old’s property.
During the search of the flat, officers became aware of extremist material and Police Scotland’s Organised Crime & Counter Terrorism Unit (OCCTU) were immediately called in to investigate, supported by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
A number of items, which could be used to construct an explosive device, were seized along with phones and computer equipment.
Following analysis of these, it was established that Morgan had been researching racist content and information on constructing explosives online.
Morgan was arrested and has been remanded in custody since this time. Today (Thursday 16 August) at Edinburgh High Court, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Detective Inspector Jackie Gilfillan from OCCTU said: “The sentence handed to Morgan reflects the serious nature of his crimes and the commitment of both Police Scotland and the Crown Office to removing extremist threats.
“While Morgan had not created any viable devices within his home, the intent to construct an object that could cause serious harm and fear within our communities was clear.
“The national Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) campaign recognises the important role the public have to play in preventing terrorism and, whenever such individuals come to our attention, a thorough investigation will be undertaken to bring them to justice.
“While on this occasion we were able to prevent any danger to the public, I’d encourage anyone with concerns about a person viewing extremist or terrorist material to report this to Police Scotland on 101 or to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.”
Speaking following the sentencing, Procurator Fiscal for Specialist Casework, Liam Murphy, said: “The conviction and sentence of Peter Morgan for terrorism charges and a charge under the Explosive Substances Act marks the end of a complex investigation and prosecution process.
“COPFS worked closely with Police Scotland and other parts of law enforcement to bring the case to trial and secure this conviction.
“COPFS has a duty to keep the people of Scotland safe from harm and working with Police, Government and other agencies are committed to ensuring that those involved in committing offences under the terrorism legislation are brought to justice.”
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