Paulton man jailed for terrorism offences
Dean Morrice was found to be stockpiling explosives and had terrorist manifestos
A man from Somerset, who superimposed himself onto a video of a terrorist act while playing guitar, has been found guilty and sentenced for sharing terrorist material and possession of explosives.
Dean Morrice, of Pithay Court, Paulton, was found guilty on eight counts by a unanimous jury and two counts on a majority verdict:
Three counts of dissemination of terrorist publication, contrary to section 2 (1) of the Terrorism Act 2006.
One count of encouraging terrorism, contrary to section 1 (1) of the Terrorism Act 2006;
Four counts of possession of a document or record for terrorist purposes, contrary to section 58 (1) (b) of the Terrorism Act 2000;
Two counts of having an explosive substance, contrary to section 4 (1) of the Explosive Substances Act 1883.
Morrice has been sentenced to a total of 23 years in prison.
He was arrested on 20 August 2020 following searches being carried out in Paulton as part of an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing South East.
It was discovered he had terrorist material, including the manifesto of other right-wing terrorists.
Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes, Head of CTPSE, said: “The evidence in this case has shown that Morrice had a clear extreme right-wing ideology and had terrorist intentions.
“He was also in possession of terrorist literature including ‘weapon and militia manuals’ and distributed this to further aid his warped ideology and try and encourage others.
“Through dedicated investigation, Morrice was stopped before he was able to carry out any physical act of terror but the evidence showed that he actively encouraged terrorism to others with his toxic ideology and had the intention and potentially the capability to commit one himself.”
A 3D printer was also found during searches of his property, along with evidence suggesting he was trying to make a weapon. Explosive material along with manuals on how to make guns and guerrilla warfare were discovered too.
Det Chief Supt Barnes continued: “This is the first terrorism case which has taken evidence obtained by use of a 3D printer to court. CTPSE and CTPSW will continuously update knowledge and tactics to ensure the disruption of the wrongful use of new technology, as in this case.
“We work together across our network and with local forces and other law enforcement agencies to keep one step ahead.
“Although the weapon was not viable in the current state it was found in, in the wrong hands with the right capability it could have become one.
“I want to thank the dedicated investigation team and all our partners across the counter terrorism network, local forces and other law enforcement agencies in this case for all their hard work in getting this conviction.”
Chief Inspector Steve Kendall, Area Commander for Bath and North East Somerset, said: “People like Dean Morrice, who have extremist views and harbour such vile feelings of hatred towards sections of society, can live absolutely anywhere and although these instances are rare, they remind us we all need to be vigilant.
“While he evidently had the intent to equip himself with harmful substances and a weapon, there is no reason to believe any attack was imminent.
“His arrest in August last year undoubtedly concerned the community and I’d like to thank them for the restraint and resilience they showed following what was an unusual event.
“Public safety is our number one priority and we, together with all our security service partners, continue to work tirelessly to apprehend people like Morrice.
“If you are concerned about someone’s behaviour please contact us. We will be able to help with support, and where necessary, take appropriate action.”