Preston teen jailed for terror offences
The 18 year old admitted posting online content which encouraged terrorism
Last updated 3rd Aug 2023
A Preston teen has been jailed after posting extremist material online which encouraged terrorism.
Mohammed Afzal, from Preston, previously pleaded guilty to four offences relating to the dissemination of terrorist publications and four offences relating to the collection of terrorist information.
An investigation, led by Counter Terrorism North West, found extremist media posted on social media - accounts which were then linked to Afzal.
On 29 June 2022, Afzal was arrested on suspicion of encouraging terrorism and the dissemination of terrorist publications, and a number of electronic devices were seized from his home address. At the time, Afzal refused to provide the passcodes for the seized devices and he was released under investigation.
After examination of his devices, police investigators were able to link his mobile number to the social media accounts posting content. They also found a large amount of extremist material deemed to encourage terrorism.
He was charged by police, and on 13 February 2023 at Liverpool Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to all 8 counts on the indictment.
Detective Superintendent Andy Meeks of CTPNW said: “CTPNW is working tirelessly to ensure that people like Afzal are identified, arrested, and brought before the courts. We will not accept any action that attempts to divide our communities and will hold to account anyone who seeks to incite hatred.
“The public are key to helping us achieve this and I would encourage anyone who is aware of extremist material online – whether that be posts, websites, or any activity of concern – to report it to police so we can act on it.”