Full Breakdown
Former Army Cadet Sentenced for Stalking, Terror-Related Offences and Hate-Driven Harassment
5/7/2026, 5:21:29 AM
Sentencing and Charges
On 6 May 2026 the Old Bailey sentenced 19-year-old Dihan Rahman of Southall, west London, to four years and six months in prison for three counts of stalking, three counts of possessing indecent images, and three charges of possessing documents useful for terrorism. The judge added a three-year extended licence.
Background: Cadet Programme and Extremist Influences
Rahman had been enrolled in an Army cadet programme in 2023. Investigators found his electronic devices contained a “mixed” ideology that combined extreme-right symbols, Islamic State propaganda, incel rhetoric and explicit hatred of women. He posted personal details of two schoolgirls and a teacher online, shared bomb-making videos, photographed himself giving a Nazi salute and holding a rope noose, and administered an extremist Telegram network while posing as a white youth.
Key Actors
- Dihan Rahman – defendant, former cadet.
- Serena Gates KC – prosecutor who described Rahman’s ideology.
- Simon Mayo KC – presiding judge.
- Helen Flanagan – commander, Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Timeline of Harassment and Legal Proceedings
- Feb 2024 – Jun 2024: Rahman launched a stalking campaign after a teenage girl rejected his advances, targeting a second girl and a female teacher.
- Mar 2024: Initial arrest; Rahman was bailed on conditions that he stay away from the victims.
- Nov 2024: Counter-terrorism officers re-arrested him after discovering further extremist material.
- Early 2026: Rahman pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey.
- 6 May 2026: Sentencing.
Impact on Victims
The two girls reported living in “constant fear,” altering daily routines, withdrawing socially and limiting online activity. Their school prom was relocated twice after Rahman threatened to disrupt it. In victim impact statements, one girl said she now “is more cautious about the friends I have” after previously having a large social circle.
Data & Statistics
- Sentence: 4 years 6 months (minimum two-thirds to be served).
- Charges: 3 stalking counts, 3 indecent-image counts, 3 terrorism-related counts (including a pipe-bomb tutorial).
- Extended licence: 3 years.
- Materials seized: bomb-making guides, extremist videos, Telegram admin rights.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Gates highlighted Rahman’s “mixed” extremist ideology. Judge Mayo characterised the conduct as “planned, concealed, and persistent” and noted the severe, enduring impact on the victims, stating that no sentence could erase their anxiety. Commander Flanagan described the case as evidence of a growing trend of youth drawn to violent extremist content online and praised the victims’ resilience.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the timing of Rahman’s first arrest: the BBC report cites a March 2024 arrest and bail, whereas the UKNIP article records a November 2024 arrest by Counter-terrorism officers. The article does not clarify whether the March arrest led to release or was superseded by the later detention.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Much of the behaviour was planned, concealed, and persistent...it occurred over a prolonged period.” — Simon Mayo KC, Judge
- “The impact of your stalking was severe and enduring. The two young women lived in constant fear, altered daily routines, withdrew socially and restricted online activity.” — Simon Mayo KC, Judge
- “No sentence I can pass will remove the anxiety, fear, and psychological harm which you caused your victims.” — Simon Mayo KC, Judge
- “This case is yet another example of a growing and concerning trend of young people being drawn into extremist, violent and terrorist ideologies – principally from what they are exposed to and consuming online.” — Helen Flanagan, Commander, Counter Terrorism Policing London
- “One of them said: "I used to have a large social circle however because of this I am more cautious about the friends I have.” — Victim (schoolgirl)
Outlook
Rahman will serve at least two-thirds of his term before moving to a three-year licence period during which he remains subject to monitoring by counter-terrorism authorities. The case underscores ongoing concerns about online radicalisation among adolescents.
