Muhammad Billal, a 19-year-old from Nelson, Lancashire, was sentenced to 13-and-a-half years in prison on July 2, 2026, for preparing acts of terrorism. He was arrested at Manchester Airport on November 20, 2024, while attempting to board a flight to Somalia to join the Islamic State (ISIS) organization.
Planned UK Attack Before Shifting Focus to Somalia
Billal began preparing a terrorist attack on UK soil in February 2024. Over several months, he accumulated copies of terrorist publications and researched how to acquire knives and firearms. He also investigated shooting ranges across the UK to hone his firearm skills and identify potential target sites.
Police stated that Billal never settled on a final target, but he explored areas with high pedestrian traffic, including shopping centres, train stations, football stadiums, and places of worship. Although he attempted to purchase a firearm, he never actually obtained one.
Online Contact Persuaded Him to Join ISIS in Somalia
In October 2024, an online contact convinced Billal to abandon his UK attack plans and instead travel to Somalia to join ISIS. He then researched ways to enter Somalia and corresponded with individuals who advised him on accessing the country. Counter Terrorism Policing North West detained him at Manchester Airport before he could board his flight.
Billal pleaded guilty to two charges of engaging in preparation for acts of terrorism and four charges of possessing a document likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.
Sentence and Police Response
At the Central Criminal Court in London on July 2, 2026, Billal was sentenced to 13-and-a-half years in prison, followed by an extended licence period of five years.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Chadwick, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: "The offences Muhammad Billal has been convicted of are amongst the most serious charges that can be brought against an individual. Our investigation into his actions has been meticulous and we have been able to gather evidence which shows a firm intent to engage in acts of terrorism. Although he changed his focus from committing an act of terrorism in the UK to committing offences in another country, the level of detail he researched in preparation of an attack here shows the risk he presents to the public. That risk is reflected in the sentence passed today, and we welcome that outcome."
