Bristol security guard who flew to Somalia to join Daesh and dreamed of becoming a 'martyr' jailed for 12 years

Published 21 October 2026, 16:40

• Mohamed Mohamoud, 22, begged on Telegram to join the 'Mujahedeen' — his phone was stuffed with beheading videos
• He even tried using AI to help his terror plans, showing 'intent and persistence', said Det Ch Supt Oliver Wright
• 'A dangerous individual has been held accountable,' Wright said after the Old Bailey handed down a 16-year extended sentence

A security guard who flew from Heathrow to Somalia hoping to join Daesh and become a "martyr" has been jailed for 12 years.

Mohamed Mohamoud, 22, of Francombe Grove, Horfield, Bristol, was sentenced on 19 October at the Central Criminal Court.

The Somalian-born security guard received a 16-year extended sentence, made up of 12 years' imprisonment followed by four years on licence.

Mohamoud was found guilty of preparation of acts of terrorism, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, after a three-week trial at Winchester Crown Court that concluded on 18 August.

He travelled from Heathrow to Somalia on 30 January last year and returned on 3 March.

Evidence found throughout the investigation showed Mohamoud travelling in Somalia.

He used Telegram chat to request assistance travelling to Somalia to join the "Mujahedeen" — Islamist fighters engaged in jihad — and stated in a message that his goal was to become a "martyr".

Videos recovered from his phone contained Daesh propaganda material, among it combat footage, battlefield scenes, executions, beheadings and news reels.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East officers attended his Bristol home on 20 January this year, where he was arrested; investigators also took away a number of digital devices, among them his Samsung Galaxy mobile phone.

He was charged in connection with the offence on 26 January.

Detective Chief Superintendent Oliver Wright, Head of CTPSE, said: "Mohamoud embraced an Islamist extremist ideology and became radicalised through material he accessed online and via social media."

"Our investigation showed he was determined to travel overseas to join Daesh and actively sought ways to do so," Wright said. "His actions demonstrated both intent and persistence, including attempts to use emerging technology such as AI to support his efforts."

Officers carried out "a thorough and detailed investigation to understand the full extent of the threat he posed and to ensure appropriate action was taken to protect the public," Wright added.

The conviction "reflects the seriousness of the offending" and means Mohamoud will serve "a significant custodial sentence," he said. "The public can be reassured that a dangerous individual has been held accountable for his actions."

Wright urged anyone concerned about someone vulnerable to radicalisation, or expressing extremist views, to report it. "Information from the public plays a vital role in helping to prevent harm and keep communities safe," he said.

If you notice or become aware of anything that might be linked to terrorism, contact police confidentially by calling 0800 789 321, or in an emergency dial 999.

Guidance is available at gov.uk/ACT, with ACT Early offering help for those worried about radicalisation.