"Pseudocide" jihadist jailed for 12 years

A British jihadist who faked his death and sneaked back into Britain last year was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Friday, local media reported.

Imran Khawaja, 27, from west London, traveled to Syria and joined a militant group related to the radical group Islamic State (IS).

It said he spent half a year in Syria, and had been seen on photographs with weapons and severed heads. Local reports said he had close ties to IS "executioner" Jihadi John, known to be a Briton.

Khawaja was arrested by specialist counter-terrorism officers at Dover last June after his militant group posted a message claiming his death in fighting. The fake announcement was to provide cover for his return to Britain on June 3.

He admitted preparing for acts of terrorism, attending a camp, receiving training and possessing firearms, according to reports.

Local court said Khawaja posed a significant risk of serious harm to the public. He will serve a minimum of eight years and also serve five years on licence.

His cousin, Tahir Bhatti, who also arrested with him at Dover, was jailed for 21 months. Endit