Teenager pleads guilty to terrorism offences

A teenager has admitted possessing terrorist material, including guides on how to build bombs, after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London.

Dihan Rahman, aged 19 (15.09.06) of Southhall, pleaded guilty to three charges of possession of documents of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, contrary to section 58 of the Terrorism Act, 2000.

He pleaded guilty on Friday, 6 February, the second day of his trial at the Old Bailey.

The court heard Rahman was arrested on 15 March 2024 by detectives from CTP London and his digital devices, including mobile phone and computer were seized.

An encrypted drive was forensically analysed and detectives uncovered Rahman had downloaded two videos that gave instructions on how to build bombs. Another terrorist document was found on a USB stick.

Rahman also admitted stalking two girls and a female teacher.

Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan, Head of Operations for Counter Terrorism Policing London said: “This case is yet another example of a growing and concerning trend of young people being drawn into extremist, violent and terrorist ideologies - principally from what they are exposed to and consuming online.

“Rahman’s actions towards his victims – two of whom were teenage girls - were completely unacceptable and I want to praise their incredible courage and resilience throughout this whole ordeal. I would also like to praise the actions of Rahman’s teachers, who contacted police with their concerns, which enabled us to intervene and investigate when we did.

“This case shows why it is so crucial for those who are looking after children and young people to be aware of the signs that could indicate someone is on a path towards radicalisation. And our message is clear - if you have any concerns whatsoever, then ACT Early and contact us before it may be too late.

“But it also shows how seriously we take allegations of violence against women and girls, and that we will not hesitate to take action against somebody who is suspected of such sinister action towards women and girls.”

For information and advice on the signs of radicalisation and how to contact police if you have concerns about somebody, visit www.actearly.uk

The investigation started after Rahman was accused of stalking and threatening two girls at his school. Rahman had attempted to date one of the girls, but she had turned him down.

He was arrested by police in March and was subsequently given a number of bail conditions, including that he must not contact the two girls

However, Rahman continued to attempt to contact the girls on social media. In May, he posted images of the venue for the school prom and a photograph of a German Nazi soldier in a forest holding a gun.

He also made a number of malicious complaints about a teacher at the school, who had helped provide evidence to the police and reported Rahman to Prevent.

Rahman was arrested again in November 2024 after CTP detectives uncovered that he had posted details of the two girls and female teacher online and suggested they were involved in a ‘conspiracy’ in relation to the investigation into him.

He was subsequently remanded in custody and pleaded guilty to three counts of possession of Indecent Images, contrary to S160 Criminal Justice Act 1988 and three counts of stalking, contrary to Section 4a Protection from Harassment Act 1997

He will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on May 6.