A man who bought semi-automatic weaponry and ammunition from undercover operatives has been jailed for 18 years.
Gavin Rae, also known as Yakub Rae, from Preston, Lancashire was found guilty following a trial at Preston Crown Court of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, attempted possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life and three counts of encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence, contrary to section 45 of the Serious Crime Act 2007.
He was sentenced at The Old Bailey to 18 years in prison. He was also given an extended licence period of five years.
In July 2014 and July 2015, Rae was suspected of attempting to travel to Syria but was unsuccessful.
Rae’s behaviour raised concern with authorities and a police operation was put in place to monitor his activities.
Between September and November 2015 Rae met several times with undercover operatives. During the course of these meetings Rae made clear his views on Islam and the ‘Kuffar’ (non-believers) , with Rae believing that people were against him because of his religion.
Rae discussed his extremist views and asked for help in getting a de-commissioned firearm converted into working firearm. He went on to request a semi-automatic weapon, silencer and ammunition and agreed to purchase a Baikal handgun, silencer and 16 bullets.
On 3 November 2015 Rae purchased these items and agreed to buy further weapons and ammunition and enquired about getting a deactivated Uzi sub machine gun converted to a working firearm and the availability of more ammunition.
Rae was detained by armed police officers, subsequently arrested and taken into custody.
Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Mole from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit said: “The calculated efforts made by Rae to request such a volume of live semi-automatic weapons and ammunition is deeply concerning, particularly given his background military training in the use of weaponry and the fact he spent time in prison for armed robbery.
“The brave and difficult work of the police officers and staff involved in this operation cannot be underestimated. Today, they have been successful in taking this dangerous individual out of our society and ensuring he remains behind bars for a very long time, where he can no longer pose a threat to anyone.
“This case gives just a small glimpse into some of the intense and complex work carried out each day in the Counter Terrorism world, and by other related organisations across the country, as staff and officers work to investigate those who threaten our society with extremist beliefs and intend to cause harm to others.
“It is valuable that people in our communities recognise that it is everyone’s responsibility to tackle extremism, which is why it is vital that families, friends and neighbours contact us and bring to our attention anyone they perceive may be vulnerable, demonstrating extremist behaviour or that may be in danger of escalating towards terrorism.”
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