Jailed: Muslim convert who tried to drum up Isis support outside Oxford Street Topshop

Guilty: Muslim convert Ibrahim Anderson, 38 (left) and Shah Jahah Khan, 62,
PA
Paul Cheston29 January 2016
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A Muslim convert has been jailed for trying to drum up support for Islamic State outside Topshop in London’s Oxford Street.

Ginger-bearded Ibrahim Anderson, 38, along with Shah Jahan Khan, 63, were among a group which set up a stall near the flagship fashion store on the afternoon of August 9 2014.

The pair, from Luton, Bedfordshire, denied inviting support for a proscribed organisation and Anderson also denied possessing information likely to be useful to a terrorist on December 16 2014.

A jury deliberated for eight hours before finding them guilty at the Old Bailey last week.

Sentencing today, Judge Stephen Kramer QC jailed Anderson for three years and Khan for two years.

Convicted: Muslim convert Ibrahim Anderson, 38 (left) and Shah Jahah Khan, 62, 
Metropolitan Police

The judge said their activities carried danger that young people may be “lured” to their deaths in Iraq and Syria.

The court heard that motor mechanic and father of five Anderson has previous convictions for assault and possessing an imitation firearm while Khan, a driving instructor, was previously of good character.

Muslim convert: Ibrahim Anderson
Yui Mok/PA

Prosecutor Mark Seymour had told jurors the defendants spent two-and-a-half hours speaking to passers-by and distributing a leaflet on the "so-called Caliphate" which had been re-established earlier that summer.

He said: "These defendants, who both played their part as members of the group which invited support for IS in Oxford Street on August 9 2014, would have been well aware that this is what they were doing."

When the witnesses challenged their point of view, they were told to "go and die", the court heard.

The defendants were arrested after two members of the public took photographs of them and reported their behaviour to police.

Anderson's home was later searched and a mini notebook computer was seized which contained three images that "formed part of a set of instructions for travel to Syria to support jihad", the prosecutor said.

The motor mechanic, who represented himself in court, appealed to jurors to see past the news and "see who I really am - a devoted father to my family".

He said he only wanted to practise his religion and exercise his freedom of speech, adding: "I have been brave enough to come and fight my corner because I know I am innocent and have done nothing wrong."

Neither defendants reacted as they were sent down to begin their sentences.

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