Fake bomb vest teen jailed for terrorism offences

A 19-year-old man who shared an online video of himself wearing a fake bomb vest has been jailed for nine years and six months for terrorism offences.

Mohammed Khalil Nadir, from Middlesborough, was found guilty of possessing articles for a terrorist purpose and disseminating terrorist publications after a trial at Leeds Crown Court in June.

Nadir, who had researched the Manchester synagogue attack, was arrested in October 2025 following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East (CTPNE).

It said he shared terrorism guides and propaganda online and regularly used chat rooms to promote violence and martyrdom.

The jury heard how Nadir had researched the vest worn by Jihad Al-Shamie during the Heaton Park Synagogue attack, before placing an order for a similar vest.

When it arrived he added 500 steel ball bearings to his online shopping basket, the hearing heard.

He recorded a video of himself wearing the vest, modified with a fake wire and trigger, and overlaid the sound of an explosion before sharing it on Telegram.

CTPNE found the weighted vest in Nadir's wardrobe after his arrest last year, as well as handwritten texts promoting martyrdom operations, and a large quantity of terrorist material on his mobile devices.

The organisation said he was rigidly committed to his views and had an "unhealthy interest" in weapons.

A CTPNE spokesperson said: "He sought out like-minded audiences online, rejecting anyone who challenged his twisted, violent rhetoric.

"Online chats and voice notes revealed his increasingly extreme mindset and a desire to use violence to create fear."

Upon his release, he will be on an extended licence for three years, subjected to a serious crime prevention order for five years, and a terrorism notification order for 30 years.

Head of CTPNE, Det Ch Supt James Dunkerley, said: "The evidence uncovered clearly demonstrates Nadir's deep-seated beliefs, which grew significantly over a two-year period.

"He deliberately shared terrorism guides and propaganda online and regularly used chat rooms to promote violence and justify martyrdom to others.

"There is no telling what harm this information could do in the hands of the wrong person."

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