An army cadet allegedly planned a 'Valentine's school shooting' after being rejected by a 16-year-old girl, a court has heard. Dihan Rahman, 19, is on trial at the Old Bailey accused of stalking two teenage girls and a teacher, as well as possessing terrorist documents.
Prosecutor Serena Gates KC told jurors that Rahman, from west London, began targeting the girls in 2023 after joining a new school and an Army cadet programme. When one girl rejected his advances, he sent abusive messages and stalked her online and in person, despite police warnings.
On Valentine's Day 2024, Rahman allegedly messaged the girl 'Goodbye retard' and attempted to call her before being blocked. He later posted on social media about plans to 'ruin prom', forcing organisers to change the venue. One post included an image of a Nazi soldier with a gun.
A teacher who confiscated Rahman's phone found a photo of him in cadet uniform holding a noose, and another with a headscarf around his face alongside the text 'Who's in for a Valentines school shooting'. The device also contained images of Adolf Hitler, beheadings, and violence against women.
Rahman was arrested in March 2024 and bailed, but allegedly continued to stalk the girls. He was rearrested in November 2025 after police found 83 searches for one victim on his laptop. He has admitted stalking charges but denies six terrorism-related counts, claiming he possessed the material for 'research'.
The trial continues.
