NewsBeat
Manchester synagogue attack associate admits terror plan
Mohammad Bashir, aged 31 and from Shaftsbury Road in Manchester, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday (June 5) and pleaded guilty to preparing terrorist acts.
On August 14, 2025, Bashir drove Jihad Al-Shamie – the now-dead Manchester synagogue terrorist – to the UK Defence Academy in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire, for hostile reconnaissance.
Jonathan Polnay KC, prosecuting, said: “In these circumstances, the court could pass a sentence on Bashir that reflects the seriousness of the offending behaviour.”
Al-Shamie, 35, drove a Kia Picanto into the synagogue gates before attacking worshippers with a knife while wearing a fake suicide belt.
He was shot dead at the scene by armed police.
Bashir was arrested at Manchester Airport on November 27 but was not charged in connection with the synagogue attack.
He had denied the terrorism charge, as well as three counts of disseminating terrorist material in a WhatsApp group in November and December 2024.
Mr Polnay said these lesser charges formed the background to the more serious offence Bashir has now admitted.
He said he had received a basis of plea from the defence that would be considered by prosecutors.
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said: “very serious charge”.
She ordered a pre-sentence report and set a two-day sentencing hearing at Manchester Crown Court for July 20 and 21.
Bashir was remanded into custody.
His plea was entered one month before his trial was due to begin in Manchester on July 6.
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