Man accused of planning terror attacks to stand trial

A man accused of planning to carry out terrorist acts and stating “all Muslims must die” will stand trial next year.

Richard Smith is charged with the offences said to have occurred between August 2018 and November 2019 at different addresses in Aberdeen.

Prosecutors claim the 28-year-old “with the intention of carrying out acts of terrorism” did “engage in conduct” in the preparation of them.

This includes a claim he allegedly stated “all Muslims must die”.

On Wednesday, a court heard that Smith possessed and made explosive substances and allegedly had material supporting anti-Muslim, neo-Nazi and other racist causes.

Smith denies the accusations.

The case called at the High Court in Paisley on Wednesday and judge Lord Mulholland fixed a date for a trial to begin on May 23 next year in Edinburgh.

A further hearing will take place before then in January.

Smith is also said to have possessed details on the use of chemical agents as weapons as well as the manufacture of explosives and firearms.

He faces a separate charge of having information on a number of electronic devices and discs linked to terrorism.

This included the “practice of guerrilla warfare and paramilitary survival”.

Both these charges are under the Terrorism Act 2000 or 2006.

Smith is further accused of sending an offensive text to a relative allegedly claiming “all Muslims must die”.

It is claimed he sent Nazi-related images and messages as well as violent videos to another man.

Smith also faces allegations under the Explosive Substances Act and the Poisons Act.