UK fascist, neo-Nazi, ex-Ukip member sentenced to 23 years for terrorism

• Author: AARON REICH
• Date: 15 June 2021
• Published date: 15 June 2021

Dean Morrice, 34, was a former driver in the British army and was a member of the Ukip Party, a right-wing political party led by Nigel Farage. However, he had left a few years ago and became increasingly more radical in recent years.

During his trial, despite denying the charges levied against him, Morrice described his current political views by saying: "I think it's fair to say I have fascist and neo-Nazi views," the BBC reported. Originally he had described himself as "apolitical," but later admitted to having lied to police as, according to him, he thought his right-wing views were illegal.

Though he claimed he did not advocate for violence or wish to encourage terrorism, Morrice was nonetheless charged and convicted on 10 counts of terrorism, which included disseminating terrorist publications, encouraging terrorism and possessing explosive substances.

Upon his arrest in his home in Paulton on August 20, 2020, Morrice was discovered to be in possession of manifestos of far-right extremist terrorists and had a video of the Christchurch mosque shooting, with a clip of himself playing the guitar as the massacre took place superimposed in the video.

Morrice had also been using the messaging app Telegram to share messages, memes and videos. According to prosecutors, a Telegram channel he operated was used to "unapologetically, unambiguously pumped out" violent neo-Nazi propaganda that called for the murder of Jews and minorities, The Guardian reported.

According to police, Morrice was also in possession of a 3D printer, and evidence shows he was trying to use it to construct a weapon.

Despite his stated political views, Morrice did not refer to himself as a terrorist, and called himself a patriot.

This claim was shot down, however, by Judge Peter Lodder.

"You have described yourself as a patriot. You are not a patriot, you are a dangerous neo-Nazi, your bigotry and hatred is abhorrent to the overwhelming majority in this country," the judge said, according to The Guardian.

Lodder further condemned Morrice for a total lack of remorse.

"You attempted to fool the jury into thinking that you are a family-orientated, caring man who was...