A 19-year-old individual, identified as Muhammad Billal from Nelson, Lancashire, has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison for his involvement in planning a terrorist attack using a firearm and attempting to journey to a training camp in Somalia. The arrest took place in November 2024 at Manchester airport as Billal was trying to board a flight to Dubai.

Following his arrest, Billal faced charges in February the following year, which included two counts of preparing terrorist acts and four counts related to gathering information potentially used for terrorism purposes. Nearly a year after pleading guilty, he was given a 13-and-a-half-year custodial sentence with an additional five-year license period by Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb at the Old Bailey.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Billal had expressed intentions of targeting members of the public and sought confrontation with law enforcement. He had been actively engaging with material associated with the Islamic State (IS) and expressing support for the organization leading up to his apprehension in November 2024.

Billal’s preparations for a terror attack involved researching nearby shooting ranges, acquiring a firearm through the dark web using cryptocurrency, and conducting online surveillance of potential attack sites such as churches, synagogues, busy train stations, and Manchester United’s stadium. Additionally, he made arrangements to travel to Somalia, seeking advice on leaving the UK discreetly, altering his appearance, disposing of incriminating material, and obtaining necessary travel documents.

Although his defense argued that Billal had been influenced and manipulated due to vulnerability, the court determined that Billal actively pursued association with the extremist ideology out of his own volition, driven by a desire for belonging and martyrdom. Despite some reported distancing from radical views while in custody, he remained classified as a high-risk individual for future terrorist-related activities.

In a revealing statement, Billal acknowledged his dangerous intentions and expressed relief at being apprehended before carrying out any violent acts. He admitted to all charges brought against him in July of the preceding year.