A 19-year-old identified as Muhammad Billal has been sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison for planning a terrorist attack in the United Kingdom and attempting to travel to a training camp. Billal, from Nelson, Lancashire, purchased an illicit firearm and researched potential targets including Old Trafford, Manchester Arena, and local schools.
Prosecutors stated that Billal's intentions were clear and that he came close to carrying out an attack, being prevented only by the intervention of authorities. He admitted to preparing acts of terrorism and possessing material useful for terrorism. The court heard that Billal began consuming Islamic State propaganda at age 17, dedicating significant time to viewing extremist content. His online research included studying ISIS leadership, maps, past attacks, and searching for anti-Jewish imagery and weapons.
Billal's online activity detailed a progression of potential targets. Initially, he researched military bases in the UK, later shifting his focus to a college and a swimming pool in Nelson. By July 2024, he was searching for the locations of primary and secondary schools in the Colne area. His research expanded to crowded public spaces in his local area, including Manchester's Victoria and Piccadilly railway stations, Manchester Cathedral, and the AO Arena. He also viewed Catholic churches and synagogues in Manchester, and researched Trafford Centre and Old Trafford stadium.
In October 2024, Billal's plans shifted towards joining the Islamic State, using the guise of a football fan traveling abroad. He contacted a user on a chat application to discuss traveling to Somalia, planning to fly via Dubai to mislead authorities. He claimed to have purchased a firearm, paying a portion in Bitcoin and arranging further cash payment upon delivery. He also mentioned expecting to receive funds from crypto trading.
Authorities intercepted Billal at Manchester Airport on November 20, 2024, as he was attempting to travel to Dubai. An examination of his phone revealed multiple copies of an Islamic State online magazine and details of his firearm purchase. He was initially arrested and released on bail. However, further investigation uncovered more evidence of his plans, leading to his rearrest on February 11.
The court was informed that Billal, an Italian national of Pakistani origin, moved to the UK at age 13 and struggled with isolation, exacerbated by autism. He failed most of his GCSEs, left school, and rarely left his room. The judge noted that Billal was motivated by Islamic State ideology and a desire for martyrdom, indicating he was prepared to kill members of the public. Even after being released on bail, he reportedly attempted to book another flight. A search of his prison cell later found materials glorifying the Islamic State.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Chadwick of Counter-Terrorism Policing North West described the investigation as meticulous, gathering evidence that demonstrated a firm intent to engage in terrorism. He added that Billal's detailed research for an attack in the UK, despite his eventual shift in focus to committing offenses abroad, highlighted the risk he posed to the public.