West London Teenager Admits Guilt in Terrorism and Stalking Case
A teenager from West London has pleaded guilty to serious terrorism offences after authorities discovered instructional bomb-making videos on his digital devices. Dihan Rahman, aged 19 and residing in Southall, admitted to three charges of possessing documents likely to be useful for committing or preparing acts of terrorism during his trial at the Old Bailey on Friday, February 6, 2026.
Discovery of Terrorist Material on Digital Devices
Rahman was initially arrested on March 15, 2024, when police seized his mobile phone and computer. During forensic examination, investigators found an encrypted drive containing two downloaded videos that provided detailed instructions on how to construct explosive devices. Additional terrorist-related material was later discovered on a USB stick, as presented in court proceedings.
The 19-year-old also admitted to stalking two female students and a teacher from his school. He is scheduled to be sentenced at the same court on May 6, 2026, where the full extent of his actions will be formally addressed by the judiciary.
Counter-Terrorism Response and Warning Signs
Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan, Head of Operations for Counter Terrorism Policing London, emphasized the importance of early intervention in such cases. "This case demonstrates why it is absolutely crucial for those responsible for children and young people to recognize potential signs of radicalisation," she stated.
"Our message remains clear – if you have any concerns whatsoever, then ACT Early and contact us before it may become too late to intervene effectively," Flanagan added, highlighting the preventative approach taken by counter-terrorism units across the capital.
Pattern of Stalking and Online Harassment
The court heard how Rahman's behaviour extended beyond possession of terrorist material to include persistent stalking activities. He was originally accused of stalking and threatening two girls at his educational institution, with one having reportedly rejected his romantic advances.
Despite being arrested in March 2024 and receiving bail conditions that explicitly prohibited contact with the two girls, Rahman continued attempting to communicate with them through social media platforms. In May of that year, he posted images of the school prom venue alongside a photograph depicting a German Nazi soldier armed in a forest setting.
Rahman further targeted a teacher who had assisted police investigations and reported him to the Prevent programme, making multiple malicious complaints against the educator. His actions culminated in a second arrest in November 2024 for allegedly publishing personal details of the two girls and the teacher online while suggesting their involvement in a conspiracy related to his investigation.
Additional Charges and Legal Proceedings
Following his remand in custody, Rahman pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images under Section 160 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, alongside three counts of stalking contrary to Section 4a of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. These admissions add significant complexity to a case that bridges concerns about both terrorism and personal harassment.
The combination of terrorism-related offences with stalking charges presents a particularly troubling pattern of behaviour that authorities will need to address comprehensively during sentencing. The case highlights ongoing challenges in identifying and intervening with individuals who may be progressing toward radicalisation while simultaneously engaging in harmful personal conduct.
