Southall Stalker Jailed for Terrorism Offences

Moved from harassing teenage girls to downloading bomb-making guide

Dihan Rahman. Picture: Met Police

A teenager from Southall has been jailed for more than four years after admitting a series of terrorism, stalking and indecent image offences uncovered by counter-terrorism police.

Dihan Rahman, 19, was sentenced at the Old Bailey this Wednesday (6 May) to four years and six months in custody. He must serve at least two-thirds of the sentence before being eligible for release.

The court heard that Rahman had downloaded bomb-making guides and other extremist material spanning multiple ideologies, including both far-right and Islamist content. Detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London uncovered the files during an investigation that involved analysing his mobile phone, computer and an encrypted hard drive. Among the material were instructional videos on constructing explosives and a separate terrorism-related document stored on a USB device.

The investigation began in March 2024 after Rahman was accused of stalking and threatening two teenage girls. One of the victims had rejected his attempt to start a relationship. Between February and June that year, he repeatedly contacted her on social media. In May, he escalated his behaviour by posting images of the school prom venue alongside a photograph of a Nazi soldier holding a gun.

Rahman went on to target a second girl in a similar manner and also made a series of malicious complaints about a female teacher. Despite being placed under bail conditions banning contact with the victims, he continued his harassment online.

In November 2024, Rahman was arrested again after detectives discovered he had posted personal details of the two girls and the teacher on the internet, claiming they were part of a “conspiracy” linked to the case against him. He was subsequently remanded in custody.

Rahman pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing documents likely to be useful for terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2000 during his trial in February 2026. He also admitted three counts of stalking under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and three counts of possessing indecent images under the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the case highlighted a “growing and concerning trend” of young people being drawn into extremist ideologies online. She praised the “incredible courage and resilience” of the victims and commended the actions of teachers who reported concerns to police, enabling early intervention.

She added that with the UK threat level at “severe”, the public should remain vigilant and report any concerns, pointing to the government’s Act Early initiative for advice on recognising signs of radicalisation.