A man who held 'extremist views' illegally smuggled a handgun and bullets into the UK from South Africa.
Alan Madden was deemed a 'threat to society' after he also admitted spreading terrorist publications and inciting racial hatred. The 65-year-old was jailed today (May 30) following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Police.
Police said officers first searched Madden's home in Merseyside in September last year. They found the handgun, 384 rounds of both 9mm hollow point and 9mm Kurz ammunition, nun chucks and a flick knife.
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Madden was arrested and questioned. He admitted the weapons belonged to him and said he purchased them legally in South Africa.
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He then admitted illegally smuggling them into the UK, police said. Madden was charged and pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition and possession of offensive weapons.
In April this year, he also pleaded guilty to a TACT 2006 offence, contrary to Section 2 of the Terrorism Act 2000 which concerns the dissemination of terrorist publications and three counts of inciting racial hatred contrary to section 21 of the Public Order Act. Madden, of Boundary Road, Wirral, was jailed for seven years and six months at Liverpool Crown Court.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Meeks, Head of Investigations for Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) said: “Madden had in his possession a 9mm hand gun 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."
Detective Superintendent Andrew Meeks, Head of Investigations for CTPNW said: “Madden had in his possession a 9mm hand gun and significant quantities of ammunition which is a concern to law enforcement and the communities of Merseyside.
"We simply will not stand by and allow people to possess guns"
"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."
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 were 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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