Sussex Man In Possession Of Explosives Convicted Of Terrorism Offences

A man from Haywards Heath has pleaded guilty to terrorism offences and making or possessing explosives.

Scott Porter of St Joseph’s Way, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court today (28/9). 

The 43-year-old admitted to making or possessing an explosive substance in suspicious circumstances under Section 4 of the Explosives Substances Act 1883 and possessing terrorist related material under Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000. 

Two searches were carried out at properties in Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill in connection with this investigation in August last year. 

He will be sentenced at the Central Criminal Court on 29 October. 

Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes, Head of CTPSE, said:

“During this investigation it was clear the information found in the possession of Porter would have been useful to someone who wanted to cause harm to our communities. 

“Although Porter didn’t have a specific ideology, the information he wrote, researched and designed could have been useful to a terrorist with plans to carry out an attack. 

“His actions were reckless and the weight of evidence against him left Porter with no choice but to plead guilty to these serious offences.”  

Detective Superintendent Justina Beeken of Sussex Police said:

"We worked closely with Counter Terrorism Policing South East to support their investigation and we are confident there was no specific risk to the local community." 

Police want the public to be aware that help and support is available to people who are worried about the behaviour of someone close to them.

If their behaviour has changed and their views become more radicalised, you can contact https://act.campaign.gov.uk

Its due to help from the public that police are able to tackle terrorist threats, with thousands of reports of suspicious behaviour coming in every year.

Reporting won’t ruin lives, but it could save them.

For further advice go to https://www.gov.uk/report-terrorism