A 21-year-old man from Mitcham has been convicted under the Terrorism Act of preparing to go to Somalia to join the terrorist organisation Al-Shabaab after being arrested at Heathrow Airport. 

Trevor Mulindwa, of Hallowell Close, was radicalised after converting to Islam in August 2013, and became particularly interested in Al-Shabaab, which is a violent branch of Al Qaeda based in Somalia.

On September 8 2014, Mulindwa was discharged from a mental health hospital under supervision for the final stage of his prison sentence, but went missing within a week.

May 26 2015: Mitcham man accused of plotting to join Al-Shabaab has 'spent years in mental health hospital'

He was arrested at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 3 on his way to Somalia's capital Mogadishu on September 17, 2014.

Six terrorist themed films were found on his mobile phone after his arrest, including news documentaries, Al-Shabaab propaganda and a fim about a UK jihadi joining a terrorist group in Syria.

Commander Richard Walton, of the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command, said: "Al-Shabaab have been engaged over the past years in a range of terrorist atrocities in Somalia and Kenya and have also in the past planned attacks against the UK. 

"We are now faced with the challenge of radicalised British nationals attempting to join many different terrorist groups in a variety of different countries.

Wimbledon Times:

Hallowell Close, near Mitcham Common, where the Mulindwa family home is

"We will continue to do all we can to stop their travel to prevent them becoming trained terrorists and potentially returning back to the UK as a greater threat with the intention of carrying out attacks here.

"I have consistently advised the Muslim community to speak to us as early as possible if they know of anyone who is planning to travel to join a terrorist group overseas."

Mulindwa was convicted under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, November 27.

Section 5 relates to the preparation of terrorist acts, and can carry a life sentence.

He will be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, December 17.

Anyone concerned that someone they know may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorist activity, including travelling to conflict zones, should contact the police on 101 or visit www.preventtragedies.co.uk