Man 'caught with explosives manual and weapons haul' facing terror trial

Darren Steele is accused of three charges under the Terrorism Acts 2000 and 2006.

Renfrewshire man allegedly caught with explosives manual and weapons haul facing terror trial STV News

A Renfrewshire man is due to stand trial charged with terror offences.

Darren Steele faces the claims which span between June 15, 2020 and February 2, 2023 at a property in Newton Mearns.

The 28-year-old is accused of three charges under the Terrorism Acts 2000 and 2006.

The first – said to be aggravated by religious prejudice – includes claims he had instruction manuals for the “manufacture of explosive substances and firearms” stored on electronic devices.

The second charge alleges Steele had possession of a number of weapons – a dagger, machete, axe, knife, air rifle and shotgun cartridges.

He is also said to have had bleach and another chemical substance as well as fireworks and “tactical clothing”.

Other accusation in the charge include claims Steele “attempted to manufacture a 3D printed firearm”.

Prosecutors state he took photos of the weapons and clothes in a manner that inferred an “intention or threat to commit an act of terrorism”.

The third allegation features a claim that Steele manufactured a “component part” of a sub-machine gun.

Both the latter two charges are said to be aggravated by religious and racial prejudice.

Among other charges Steele faces are that he brandished an axe at two women on February 2, 2023.

The case called for a virtual hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

Steele is currently in the State Hospital at Carstairs.

His KC Thomas Ross said defence inquiries are ongoing, but that he was content for a trial to be fixed meantime and entered not guilty pleas.

Lord Arthurson set a trial due to begin in March 2025 in Glasgow. The case could last eight days.

A further hearing will take place before then in November this year.

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