UK Hospital Terror Plotter Nurse Jailed for Life After Foiled Attack

Social Media · March 26

A nursing assistant who meticulously planned to bomb a hospital and an RAF base has been sentenced to life in prison. Mohammad Farooq, 29, of Hetton Road in Leeds, had intended to carry out a devastating attack at St James's Hospital in January 2023 after previously plotting to target RAF Menwith Hill near Harrogate.

A terrorist who planned to blow up Leeds Hospital & RAF base has been sentenced to life in prison. Mohammad Farooq, 29, walked into Leeds hospital with pressure cooker he planned to blow up the hospital where he worked. Farooq was jailed for a minimum of 37 years in prison.

A terrorist who planned to blow up Leeds Hospital & RAF base has been sentenced to life in prison.

Mohammad Farooq, 29, walked into Leeds hospital with pressure cooker he planned to blow up the hospital where he worked.

Farooq was jailed for a minimum of 37 years in prison. pic.twitter.com/YUstSYMKu5
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Farooq was found guilty at Sheffield Crown Court of preparing acts of terrorism. During the trial, jurors heard how he sought to “kill as many nurses as possible” by detonating a pressure cooker bomb inside the hospital. At sentencing, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb imposed a life sentence with a minimum term of 37 years. The judge emphasized that nearly 10 kilograms of explosives had been packed into the device, highlighting the potential devastation.

"You were disillusioned in your own life, both personally and professionally, having failed to achieve the standard of work to become a nurse," the judge remarked.

The court heard that Farooq had been consuming “anti-West propaganda” on TikTok and had downloaded terrorist manuals, including instructions on how to construct a bomb. Despite being employed as a nursing assistant at the hospital, Farooq harbored deep resentment towards colleagues.

In a chilling move, he sent a text message to a nurse, falsely claiming there was a bomb on the ward. The prosecution argued that this was not an attempt to warn staff and patients, but rather to trigger an evacuation so he could maximize casualties. "He wanted to detonate the bomb when the canteen was full of nurses and walk out," the judge stated.

However, his attack was thwarted by a passerby, patient Nathan Newby, who engaged him in conversation outside the hospital and ultimately diffused the situation. The judge praised Mr. Newby’s intervention, calling his courtroom testimony “the most remarkable the court has ever heard.” She stated that Farooq openly admitted his intent to kill during their exchange.

"The kind thoughtfulness of a passing stranger saved you and the people you targeted," she told Farooq. "Mr. Newby’s actions prevented an atrocity."

During the trial, the court also learned that Farooq had initially set his sights on RAF Menwith Hill, believing it to be a viable target due to its association with UK and US military intelligence. However, he abandoned the plan, fearing the base was too well protected, and instead turned his attention to the hospital.

Farooq was arrested outside St James’s Hospital with the pressure cooker bomb, which was reported to be twice as powerful as those used in the 2013 Boston Marathon attack. Prosecutors described his radicalization, stating that he had become immersed in an “extremist Islamic ideology” and was seeking “his own martyrdom” through mass murder.

Jonathan Sandiford KC, the lead prosecutor, also noted that Farooq had a history of grievances against former colleagues and had engaged in a campaign of harassment against them.

Det Supt Paul Greenwood, head of investigations for Counter Terrorism Policing North East, commended the sentencing, stating: “Farooq came dangerously close to harming innocent people. Thanks to the bravery of Nathan Newby, he never fully realized his plans and has instead been forced to face the long-term consequences of his extreme ideology and deep-seated grievances.”

Prof. Phil Wood, chief executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, reflected on the harrowing events of that morning. “Today's sentencing helps us continue to move on from the events of that day. It was an extremely difficult time for staff and patients, and I remain immensely proud of the calm and professional way in which they responded to keep everyone safe.”

He expressed gratitude to law enforcement and reiterated his appreciation for Mr. Newby’s courageous actions. “I would again like to thank the police for their support during the incident and throughout the investigation, and I am extremely grateful to Nathan Newby for his courage and initiative that morning.”

Farooq will now spend at least 37 years behind bars, serving time for a crime that could have led to mass casualties if not for the quick thinking of an ordinary citizen.

Based on a report by BBC 2025-03-26