Neil Henderson

A 19‑year‑old Italian national, Muhammad Billal, living in Lancashire, was sentenced to 13 and a half years after admitting terrorism offences, including planning to join ISIS‑Somalia and preparing an attack in the UK. Police arrested him at Manchester Airport in 2024, finding extremist materials and searches for weapons. Court hearings detailed his attempts to acquire firearms, research potential targets and communicate through encrypted apps. The judge noted his ideological motivation and ongoing risk despite distancing himself from the ideology while in custody. Defense arguments highlighted his vulnerability and susceptibility to radicalization, but prosecutors maintained he intended to receive ISIS training and conduct an attack if not intercepted.

A 19-year-old Italian national living in Lancashire received a 13-and-a-half year sentence after admitting to planning terrorist acts inspired by Islamic State ideology. Police arrested him at Manchester Airport in 2024 as he attempted to travel to Somalia for terrorist training, later uncovering weapons research, extremist propaganda and reconnaissance of potential attack sites. The judge rejected claims that he had been groomed, stating he acted from ideological motivation and a desire for martyrdom. Despite some signs of disengagement while in custody, he remains assessed as a high risk for future extremist activity.