A Merseyside man has been jailed for terrorism offences.
Scott Mason, from Rainhill, became a person of interest for counter-terrorism police due to his "extreme right-wing, racist, homophobic, and anti-Semitic views". The 36-year-old was previously arrested following a report of domestic assault in October 2021.
As part of an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW), Mason's mobile phone was seized and examined. It was found to contain step-by-step instructions for producing home explosives as well as extreme pornographic images.
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The examination of Mason's phone also discovered messages attempting to intimidate the victim of the original assault. On October 15, 2021, Merseyside Police and CTPNW officers raided the 36-year-old's home.
Police also discovered a prohibited weapon as part of the search. Mason was charged with: Possession of information of a kind likely to be useful to a Terrorist contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000, Possession of Extreme Pornography ,Perverting the Course of Justice (Witness Intimidation) and Possession of an Offensive Weapon
Scott Mason appeared in court on July 7 and was sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment, reduced to three years due to the defendant's early guilty plea.
Detective Superintendent William Chatterton, of CTPNW, said after the sentencing: "This was a thorough and comprehensive investigation which has resulted in Mason facing a significant prison sentence.
"Today's sentencing reaffirms our commitment to making sure those who pose a risk to our society will be pursued and prosecuted.
“Counter Terrorism Policing North West would like to reassure communities that incidents of this nature are always taken seriously and to report any concerns of people expressing extremist views by calling 0800 789 321 in confidence or using the secure online form at Gov.uk/ACT”.
"We would like to thank all involved in this investigation, in particular our colleagues from Cheshire Constabulary and Merseyside Police for their invaluable support."
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