Neo-Nazi Teenager Sentenced for Attempted Murder
A 19-year-old neo-Nazi, Alina Burns, from Lynton Road in Bristol, has been sentenced to 19 years and six months in prison after attempting to behead Mohammed Mahmoodi, a 27-year-old Kurdish barber, in a terrorism-driven assault.
The attack occurred on 2 August 2025 outside a barber's shop in Bedminster, Bristol. Burns approached Mahmoodi from behind and swung an axe at his neck. Mahmoodi managed to wrestle the weapon away before she could strike him again.
During the sentencing hearing at Bristol Crown Court, Mahmoodi described the lasting impact of the attack, stating that a scar on his neck serves as a daily reminder of how close he came to death.
"The defendant had an extreme right-wing mindset and wanted Jews and Muslims to be killed, and non-whites to flee or be expelled from the UK."
Serena Gates KC, prosecuting the case, highlighted Burns's extremist ideology and her intentions behind the attack.
Burns was ordered to serve a minimum of 15 years and six months in prison before being eligible for release.
Police Statements and Investigation Details
Detective Superintendent Sarah Robbins from Counter Terrorism Policing South West commented on the severity of the incident, expressing relief that the attack did not result in a fatality.
"It was extremely fortunate that this vicious attack...didn't result in the loss of life."
Superintendent Deepak Kenth of Avon and Somerset Police described the case as deeply troubling, noting that an 18-year-old woman carried out a brutal assault on an innocent man motivated by hateful beliefs.
"This is an extremely concerning case in which an 18-year-old woman has carried out a horrific attack on an innocent man in the street as a direct result of the hateful views she harboured."
Background and Extremist Connections
Burns, who was raised in Bridgwater, Somerset, was influenced by neo-Nazi extremism and maintained contact with far-right groups, as revealed during the court proceedings.
Prosecutor Serena Gates detailed that the day before the attack, Burns was viewing videos of SS marches and sent an email titled The Dawn of Civil War.
Five months prior, Burns had communicated via an online dating app with a man, urging him to "kill all the Jews and Muslims in Britain please."
Investigators discovered materials at Burns's residence including notes on how to manufacture explosives using fertiliser, instructions related to nuclear weapons, Adolf Hitler's book Mein Kampf, and the nationalist novel The Turner Diaries.
Burns also used the Telegram messaging app to contact a representative of the British far-right group Patriotic Alternative.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
At an earlier hearing, Burns admitted to attempted murder and to carrying an axe, a scalpel, and two darts. She denied a charge of engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts.
However, Judge Mrs Justice Lambert confirmed that the attack was motivated by terrorism.
Burns was arrested by Avon and Somerset police officers who were nearby at the time of the attack.
She must serve a minimum term of 15 years and six months before being considered for release.
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