Cleethorpes Man Jailed for Sharing Daesh Propaganda and Encouraging Terrorism

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A 26-year-old man from Cleethorpes has been sentenced to 15 years following his conviction for sharing terrorist material online and encouraging acts of violence. The sentence, handed down at Sheffield Crown Court, includes ten years in prison and an additional five years on licence.

Mohammed Mahfuz Ahmed was found guilty in February of one count of encouraging terrorism and four counts of disseminating terrorist publications under the Terrorism Act 2006. The investigation, led by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and supported by Humberside Police, uncovered a collection of extremist material at Ahmed’s home, including Daesh publications and content promoting jihadist violence.

Officers also revealed that Ahmed operated multiple social media accounts between November 2023 and April 2024, amassing over 1,300 followers and more than 14,000 likes. His posts included graphic videos and direct incitements to violence, as well as personal commentary urging attacks and identifying potential targets. He repeatedly created new profiles after previous accounts were removed, demonstrating a deliberate effort to continue spreading extremist content.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, who heads the North East Counter Terrorism Unit, described Ahmed’s actions as a serious threat, noting that the material he distributed was aimed at radicalising others and promoting terrorist violence.

The court also imposed a Serious Crime Prevention Order for five years and a Terrorism Notification Order lasting 30 years. These restrictions will remain in place following Ahmed’s release to reduce the risk of future offending and to maintain close oversight.

During sentencing, the judge referenced Ahmed’s “deeply entrenched extremist mindset” and his role in actively promoting Daesh propaganda online. The judge emphasised that his conduct was persistent, calculated, and intended to reach a wide audience.

The case highlights the continued threat of online radicalisation and the challenges faced by law enforcement in disrupting the digital spread of terrorist ideology. Authorities stress that such cases will be pursued vigorously and that individuals found promoting terrorism online will face significant custodial sentences.

The outcome underscores the importance of public vigilance and the role of digital platforms in detecting and reporting extremist content. The police urge anyone with concerns about online radicalisation to report it through appropriate channels.