West Yorkshire Police officer pleads guilty to terror offences
Mohammed Adil, 26, from Bradford, pleaded guilty to two counts of publishing an image in support of Hamas
Last updated 2nd May 2024
A West Yorkshire Police officer has pleaded guilty to two terror counts, after sending images in support of the banned organisation Hamas on WhtasApp.
Mohammed Adil, 26, admitted two counts at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday morning (May 02).
The messages Adil shared on his WhatsApp stories in October and November last year show a Hamas fighter wearing a Hamas headband, prosecutor Bridget Fitzpatrick told Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday morning.
They also contained quotes said to be from the military wing of Hamas, and came just weeks after the October 7th attacks on Israel.
Two of Adil's colleagues reported to their superior officers that they had viewed images posted by Adil on his WhatsApp stories which caused them "concern", the prosecution said.
Adil had 1,092 contacts on his WhatsApp at the time who would have been able to access the images for 24 hours, Ms Fitzpatrick said.
Adil was arrested on November 6 and had his mobile seized.
He answered no comment to all questions during his interview.
Adil, from the Wibsey area of Bradford, who spoke to confirm his name, date of birth, address and to make his pleas, was given conditional bail and the case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
He will be sentenced on June 4 at the same court.
Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring said: "I accept that at the time of the offending you were of good character.
"The Crown has conceded you didn't put the pictures on WhatsApp against the public at large."
Mr Goldspring added the matters are "very serious" and said at this stage he is not persuaded he can "rule out custody".
Adil, who is based in Calderdale, is currently suspended.