Supermarket Worker Admits Planning Terror Attacks on Police and Army

A supermarket worker in Scotland has admitted to preparing for acts of terrorism, including planning to establish a militant pro-Palestinian organization and outlining strategies for attacks on police and the British Army.

Sean Grant, 22, was arrested in August 2025 when officers responded to his home in East Lothian on an unrelated matter. During the visit, police discovered handwritten notes detailing his plans, scattered across his bathroom floor amidst empty beer bottles.

Grant, who worked at a local Lidl store, was found to be a member of the Communist Party of Britain and its youth wing. A search of his home uncovered various documents and publications.

In a notebook, Grant detailed plans for a "new pro-Palestinian militant organisation" to be structured in "cells." He included an "inspiration reading list" featuring terrorist publications and warned against keeping "maps or notes at home." The notes also mentioned "weapons for street fighting" such as petrol bombs.

The plans, which Grant referred to as "phase 3," aimed to "launch a campaign of attacks" targeting police, the nation's "intelligence" infrastructure, and British army recruitment centers. He stated these actions were in response to police "repression" against the Palestinian Solidarity Movement, intelligence cooperation with Israel, and the "training" of Israeli defense force officers.

Authorities also found a booklet titled "The Red Army Faction’s Urban Guerilla Concept," which was described as a strategy for radical left-wing terrorism and armed resistance. A portion of the IRA’s "Green Book," a political handbook outlining guerrilla warfare strategy, was also discovered. Additionally, "A Practical Security Handbook" was found, containing advice for "anarchists and other rebels" on security needs, planning direct action, and evading surveillance.

Grant also created a hand-drawn diagram of an aerosol grenade with accompanying instructions. He told police that the British state was blurring the lines between non-violent and violent acts, and questioned whether individuals would not prefer to strike a blow against Israel and its collaborators if they faced the same legal consequences as those who use roadside IEDs against British soldiers.

Grant confessed to being a member of the Communist Party since 2022 and rejoining its youth wing in May 2025. He stated that the seized materials reflected his personal political opinions. He indicated his intention to plead guilty to all charges and expressed concern about safely integrating back into society, opting not to be released from custody.

While in remand, Grant wrote to his partner asserting that any terror offenses were solely his responsibility and did not involve anyone else. The charge to which Grant pleaded guilty stated he possessed a "document or record" likely useful for committing or preparing a terrorism act. An allegation concerning handwritten notes of names and photos of individuals associated with right-wing or fascist groups was withdrawn by prosecutors.

Grant's sentencing has been deferred for reports, and he remains in custody.