A gun and a large quantity of hollow point ammunition was seized after a home in a historic Wirral village was raided by police.
Alan Madden, 65, of Boundary Road, Port Sunlight, was yesterday jailed for seven and a half years after pleading guilty to a litany of charges relating to his online activity. The ECHO revealed Madden was charged with dissemination of terrorist publications – relating to sharing a video of banned right-wing organisation National Action – and three counts of inciting racial hatred.
After a raid at his house on September 15 last year, police uncovered weapons including a Czech CZ 83 gun, nun chucks, a flick knife, as well as hollow point ammunition – designed to expand upon impact – which would be used in the 9mm pistol. Disturbing reports heard in Liverpool Crown Court revealed Madden had smuggled the gun into the UK from South Africa where he had used the gun to kill a robber.
READ MORE: Man shared terrorist material and gave a speech where he called the Holocaust a lie
Analysis of his social media use found Madden had called National Action "commendable" – and he had shared videos of Adolf Hitler where Jewish people were referred to as "liars" and a "satanic power".
Other material shared by Madden included a video of a far-right group burning the flags of Black Lives Matter, Israel and Pride, as well as copies of the Quran. He wrote that the "most precious thing you can have is your own people".
Detective Superintendent Andrew Meeks, head of investigations for Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: "Madden had in his possession a 9mm handgun and significant quantities of ammunition which is a concern to law enforcement and the communities of Merseyside.
"He also admitted inciting racial hatred and holding extremist views which presented him as a threat to wider society. The gun and ammunition have now been taken out of circulation and will be destroyed."
After Madden was jailed, Counter Terrorism Policing North West released pictures of the weapons and ammunition seized from his Port Sunlight home that he shared with his wife. The images showed a large number of bullets for the gun, as well as holsters and boxes of ammunition. Over 380 rounds were seized in total.
Detective Inspector John Mullen of Merseyside Police said: "By working with Counter Terrorism Police North West a dangerous weapon that could have endangered the lives of others was taken off our streets. We simply will not stand by and allow people to possess guns and threaten the safety of themselves and others.
"We are committed to removing all dangerous weapons from our streets and putting the people prepared to carry them before the courts. We carry out regular stop searches and warrants like this to locate any weapons and ensure those who store, carry and use them are brought to justice. If you have any information about anyone carrying or using a dangerous weapon in your area please don’t hesitate to contact us.
"We are also committed to rooting out those who would incite hatred or hold extremist views. I would urge anyone who has information that could help police to tackle the terrorist threat to report it immediately. We act on every piece of information given to us by members of the public and are committed to keeping you safe."
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