Glenrothes man in court charged with terror offences

A man has appeared in court accused of preparing acts of terrorism.

Sam Imrie, 22, today faced a string of allegations including claims he was going to carry out an attack on the Fife Islamic Centre in Glenrothes.

He is also said to have made social media posts “glorifying terrorist acts” committed by individuals including Anders Brevik and Brenton Tarrant.

The offences are allegedly racially aggravated and motivated by religious prejudice.

Imrie's charges span between June 2018 and July 2019.

Prosecutors first allege he put comments about Brevik, Tarrant and others on Facebook and a site called Telegram.

He is accused of being offensive towards Muslim and Jewish communities as well as “encouraging acts of violence and threats”.

A second charge states Imrie “with the intention of committing acts of terrorism” allegedly engaged “in conduct in preparation” of them.

The indictment claims he made online statements that he “intended to stream live footage of an incident” and that he was going to “carry out an attack on the Fife Islamic Centre”.

Imrie is said to have turned up there with a petrol can, carry out “observations”, make recordings on his mobile phone and repeatedly attempt to get in.

He is further accused of having weapons which he called his “arsenal” including nunchucks, a hammer, knives and a rifle scope.

It is claimed he also compiled details of “terrorist attacks on places of worship”

The charge adds Imrie was in possession of neo-Nazi, anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim material.

Futher claims include an allegation he started a fire at Strathore Lodge in Thornton, Fife and uploaded footage of it online.

A third charge alleges he had a copy of “The Great Replacement” by Tarrant as well as Brevik's “2083 – a European Declaration of Independence”.

All three charges are under the Terrorism Act.

Imrie faces further accusations of wilful fire-raising, possessing indecent images and driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

Imrie’s QC Jim Keegan today pleaded not guilty on his behalf during a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

Lord Turnbull set a trial due to begin in June next year.

Prosecutor Jo MacDonald said the case could last around 10 days.

Hear all the latest news from across Tayside, Perthshire and Angus on Tay FM. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.