Man Sentenced to Life After Admitting Role in Separate Terrorism Plan
A man linked to the attacker behind the deadly Manchester synagogue attack has been sentenced to life in prison after admitting his involvement in planning a separate terrorist attack on a British military base.
Mohammad Bashir, 31, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years after pleading guilty to preparing an act of terrorism.
The case relates to a plot involving Jihad Al-Shamie, who was later shot dead by police after carrying out the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in October 2025, where two Jewish men were killed.
Authorities said Bashir drove Al-Shamie on a 10-hour round trip to the UK’s Defence Academy in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire, to carry out hostile reconnaissance ahead of a planned attack.
Reconnaissance Mission Uncovered
Investigators said the journey took place on 14 August 2025.
During the visit, Al-Shamie reportedly recorded observations about the military site’s security arrangements on his phone under a file titled “espionage.”
The pair remained at the location for only 13 minutes before returning home the same day.
The Defence Academy is used to train members of the British Armed Forces, Civil Service personnel, and international students.
Police said the reconnaissance trip formed part of preparations for a planned terrorist attack on the military facility.
Investigation Revealed Extremist Activity
Counter-terrorism officers uncovered Bashir’s involvement after examining digital evidence following the synagogue attack.
Although both men disposed of their mobile phones after the reconnaissance trip, investigators were able to recover information from cloud-based accounts linked to the devices.
According to Greater Manchester Police, the recovered evidence showed internet searches relating to weapons, potential targets, and individuals connected to the Israeli military.
Officers also discovered WhatsApp conversations in which the two men allegedly expressed extremist views, discussed preparing for “war,” and made antisemitic remarks.
The investigation concluded that the pair had maintained a close friendship and shared violent extremist beliefs.
Court Hands Down Life Sentence
Bashir admitted one count of preparing an act of terrorism and was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court.
The court imposed a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years before he can be considered for parole.
Police said the investigation prevented another potentially serious terrorist attack from taking place.
Authorities also praised the work of counter-terrorism officers who gathered digital evidence and disrupted the planned attack.
The case highlights the continued importance of intelligence gathering and cooperation among law enforcement agencies in preventing terrorism and protecting public safety.
