Man claimed he would make 9/11 'look like episode of Teletubbies'

A man who claimed he could make the 9/11 Twin Tower attacks "look like an episode of the Teletubbies" has been jailed.

Curtis Ross, 24, was arrested after posting a clip online of him blowing up two gas canisters near the River Leven in Methil, Fife. His home was raided and evidence was found of him discussing with others "murdering all the people who wronged you".

He admitted behaving in a threatening and abusive manner.

At the High Court in Glasgow, Lord Colbeck made Ross subject to a lifelong restriction order with a minimum prison sentence of a year. He will remain under supervision upon his release.

The court previously heard how a Facebook friend of Ross had spotted the explosion video in late July 2024.

He showed it to a young woman who was so alarmed she contacted police.

Ross was detained, and detectives - along with counter terrorism officers - searched his Methil home.

They found a sketch of what was described as a homemade explosive device. Inside a desk were various items including a roll of wire, mobile phone batteries, nails, screws and a watch.

There were also initial fears about a package in the property which led to homes in the area being evacuated, but it did not contain any explosive.

Prosecutor Greg Farrell said Ross laughed when first quizzed about what he had filmed, claiming it was an "attempt at satire comedy".

But he confirmed that he had blown up two butane gas canisters and had posted it online.

Ross went on to insist that he was "not a terrorist" as he had "made peace with everything in his life".

However, police found a series of messages during checks of his phone and tablet.

In one, he referred to "instructions on how to make a pipe bomb", adding: "Hope this comes in handy for you one day".

In messages on the day of the River Leven explosion, a social media contact called Ross "dangerous".

The advocate depute then told the court of a Snapchat conversation where Ross stated: "I am going to make 9/11 look like an episode of the Teletubbies"

He then claimed that he was only joking.

Iain Duguid KC, defending, told the court that Ross had no plans to return to social media.

He had a not guilty plea accepted to a separate charge under the Terrorism Act.

Sentencing had been delayed a number of times for a full risk assessment to be carried out.

The judge said: "The serious nature of the behaviour made the court obtain a report which demonstrates a propensity of causing serious harm and are a high risk to the public. You have characteristics which are invasive and pervasive.

"You have a concerning attitude and opinions which if left untreated can result in extreme serious offending.

"It is necessary to impose an order for lifelong restriction as there are no measures short of this which would be sufficient to minimise the risk of serious harm to others."