A terrorist who abandoned his wife and young child to fight with Isil in the Philippines has blamed Brexit as he was jailed for eight years.

Muslim convert Ryan Counsell, 28, was seeking an "idyllic life" under sharia law, Woolwich Crown Court heard.

He was in the advanced stages of planning his trip to fight with terrorist group Abu Sayyaf when he was arrested last July.

Counsell claimed that after Brexit there was increased tension in the Muslim community in Nottingham so he decided to leave.

He was convicted last month three counts of possessing documents with terrorist material, and one count engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts, after a four week trial.

The jury heard how he spent almost £900 on military-style boots, camouflage clothing, Kevlar boxer shorts and a cheek pad to be attached to the stock of a rifle "to engage in combat."

Counsell had also booked a return ticket from London to Manila and a connecting flight to Zamboanga, 20 miles from Basiland where Isil group Abu Sayyaf regularly clash with the Philippine Army.

The group wounded 14 Philippine soldiers today (Fri) and a German hostage was beheaded by them on Sunday.