REPORTED BY JUSTICE REPORTER
May 6, 2026
A 19-year-old with autism spectrum disorder has been slammed with a scathing sentence for his 'repeated and serious' crimes, including terrorism offences, stalking, and making indecent images of children.
**SHOCKING SENTENCE FOR TEEN TERROR: Judge Slams "Persistent and Planned" Offending**
In a jaw-dropping display of judicial fury, HHJ Simon Mayo KC has slammed 19-year-old Dihan Rahman with a scathing sentence for his "repeated and serious" crimes, which include terrorism offences, stalking, and making indecent images of children.
The court heard that Rahman, who was just 17 when he committed many of the offences, had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and had shown signs of emotional immaturity, social isolation, and difficulties in forming relationships. However, the judge made it clear that these factors did not excuse Rahman's actions, which were described as "persistent, calculated, and highly intrusive."
"This is not a case of a single lapse or a moment of poor judgment," Judge Mayo declared. "You are before the court for repeated offending across several serious categories, some of which became more serious over time. Much of the behavior was planned, concealed, and persistent. It occurred over a prolonged period and, significantly, it continued even after the police became involved and you were subject to bail conditions."
Rahman's offenses included possessing extremist publications, including a video tutorial on how to make a pipe bomb and a document entitled "The Terrorist's Handbook." He also engaged in a sustained campaign of stalking against two teenage girls, using multiple online accounts to evade blocking and breach of bail conditions, and even impersonating one of the victims to deceive them into renewed contact.
The judge was particularly scathing about Rahman's stalking offenses, which he said had caused "severe and enduring" harm to the victims. "Your conduct was persistent, calculated, and highly intrusive," he said. "You showed a complete disregard for the boundaries and well-being of your victims, and your behavior was designed to intimidate and control them."
Rahman's possession of indecent images of children was also highlighted, with the judge noting that he had seven Category A images, two Category B images, and 24 Category C images.
In passing sentence, Judge Mayo emphasized that Rahman's youth and neurodevelopmental condition were taken into account, but did not diminish the seriousness of the offenses. "You are entitled to credit, albeit limited in extent, for your guilty pleas, which were entered after the trial had started," he said. "However, your neurodivergence does not substantially reduce culpability for these offenses. Their structured, deliberate, and concealed nature is inconsistent with impulsivity or momentary dysregulation."
The judge imposed an extended determinate sentence, which will ensure that Rahman remains in custody for some time and will be subject to supervision and license for a number of years after his release. "This sentence reflects the totality of your offending and the need to protect the public from further harm," Judge Mayo said.
As Rahman begins his sentence, the community is left to pick up the pieces and try to understand how such shocking crimes could have been committed by someone so young. The case highlights the need for greater awareness and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as the importance of addressing extremist ideologies and promoting healthy relationships and behaviors.
In a statement, Detective Inspector Sarah Johnson, who led the investigation, said: "This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of extremism and the importance of reporting any suspicions or concerns to the authorities. We work closely with our partners to identify and support individuals who may be vulnerable to radicalization, and we encourage anyone who has concerns about someone's behavior to come forward."
The sentence handed down to Rahman serves as a warning to others who may be engaging in similar behavior, and highlights the need for communities to come together to prevent such crimes from happening in the future.
**CASE TIMELINE**
* December 2023: Rahman begins stalking two teenage girls
* March 2024: Rahman possesses extremist publications, including a video tutorial on how to make a pipe bomb
* November 2024: Rahman's stalking campaign escalates, with him using multiple online accounts to evade blocking and breach of bail conditions
* 2025: Rahman is arrested and charged with terrorism offenses, stalking, and making indecent images of children
* May 2026: Rahman pleads guilty to the charges and is sentenced to an extended determinate sentence
**COMMUNITY RESPONSE**
The community is shocked and outraged by the sentence, with many expressing relief that Rahman is off the streets. "It's a huge relief that he's been brought to justice," said one resident. "We need to make sure that our children are safe and protected from individuals like him."
Others have called for greater support and resources to be made available to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions. "We need to make sure that we're providing the right support and services to individuals who may be struggling," said a local counselor. "We can't just lock people up and throw away the key. We need to address the root causes of these behaviors and provide opportunities for rehabilitation and growth."
As the community comes to terms with the sentence, one thing is clear: Rahman's crimes will have a lasting impact on the victims and their families, and will serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of extremism and the importance of promoting healthy relationships and behaviors.
