A former driver in Paulton’s army was jailed for 23 years after storing explosives.
Dean Morrice, of Pithay Court, built a collection of chemicals used in homemade explosives as well as a cache of terrorism manuals and instructions for a 3D printed gun.
The 34-year-old made a video of himself strumming his guitar over footage of the Christchurch mosque shooting, glorified figures from the Third Reich and hailed neo-Nazi terrorists as “saints”.
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Morrice, who has participated in far-right forums and created his own channels, was convicted last Thursday of 10 counts:
Three counts of disseminating a terrorist publication One count of inciting terrorism Four counts of possession of a document or file for terrorist purposes Two counts of possession of an explosive substance
Morrice was sentenced today (June 14) to 23 years in prison.
Kingston Crown Court overheard Morrice upload a video of himself, wearing a skull mask, strumming a guitar to the beat of the gunfire in footage of the Christchurch Mosque shooting just three days after the 2019 attack .
Morrice ran a small electronics repair business after a brief stint in the military, which he joined at the age of 16 as a driver. He told jurors that he liked to dress up as a “right-wing fascist” in outfits that included a tactical vest and beret.
He was arrested on August 20 of last year and searches were carried out in Paulton.
Morrice was found in possession of the manifesto of other far-right terrorists and a video, showing himself superimposed on footage of a terrorist act
It was discovered that he had used communication channels to send memes and videos that encouraged terrorism, including the use of anti-Semitic imagery, neo-Nazi propaganda, and suggested support for a race war.
Dean Morrice (Image: Counterterrorism Police)
Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes said: “The evidence in this case showed that Morrice had a clear far-right ideology and had terrorist intentions.
“He was also in possession of books on terrorism, including ‘weapons and militia manuals’, and distributed them to further help his distorted ideology and try to encourage others.
“Through a dedicated investigation, Morrice was arrested before he could commit an act of physical terror, but evidence showed that he actively encouraged terrorism towards others with his toxic ideology and intended and potentially the ability to commit one himself. “
The court heard that during searches of his property, a 3D printer was discovered along with evidence suggesting he was trying to manufacture a weapon.
It was also discovered that he had other explosive substances in his possession as well as manuals on gunmaking and guerrilla warfare.
Detective Barnes’ Superintendent added, “This is the first terrorism case in which evidence obtained using a 3D printer is brought to court.
“Although the weapon was not viable in the current state it was found, in the wrong hands with the right abilities it could have become so.
“I would like to thank the dedicated investigative team and all of our counterterrorism network partners, local forces and other law enforcement agencies in this case for all of their hard work in securing this conviction.”
Chief Inspector Steve Kendall said: “People like Dean Morrice, who hold extremist views and harbor such feelings of hatred towards sections of society, can live absolutely anywhere and although these cases are rare. , they remind us that we must all be vigilant.
“While he clearly intended to equip himself with noxious substances and a weapon, there is no reason to believe that an attack was imminent.
“Her arrest in August of last year was undoubtedly of concern to the community and I want to thank them for the restraint and resilience she has shown following an unusual event.
“Public safety is our number one priority and we, along with all of our security service partners, continue to work tirelessly to apprehend people like Morrice.
“If you are concerned about someone’s behavior, please contact us. We will be able to provide support and, if necessary, take appropriate action. “
The 3D printer (Image: Anti-terrorism police)
Every year, thousands of reports from the public help police fight the terrorist threat, and officers need the public’s help. They always encourage people to report anything suspicious.
“If you see or hear something that doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and ACT early, especially if the people you love and know have started to have extreme opinions or are simply acting differently from before,” reads. one in a police statement.
You can report here.
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Source: www.somersetlive.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-06-14 21:01:29
