A nursing assistant who plotted to bomb a Leeds hospital and an RAF base has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 37-years.
Mohammad Sohail Farooq, 29, planned to detonate an explosive at St James’s Hospital in January 2023, and plotting to target RAF Menwith Hill near Harrogate.
He was found guilty at Sheffield Crown Court of preparing acts of terrorism.
During a three-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court the jury heard how the clinical support worker from Leeds was inspired by Daesh propaganda to procure weapons and manufacture an explosive device in readiness for an attack.
Jurors heard how he wanted to “kill as many nurses as possible” by detonating a pressure cooker bomb loaded with nearly 10kg of explosives.
Prior to trial, Farooq had already pleaded guilty to possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger life, firearms offences, and the possession of terrorist material.
At sentencing on Friday 21st March, Farooq was jailed for life with a minimum term of 37-years.
On January 20, 2023 while he was employed by the hospital as a nursing assistant, Farooq was found in the grounds of St James’s Hospital by inpatient Nathan Newby, in possession of an improvised bomb, knives and an imitation firearm. Thankfully Mr Newby was able to calm and divert Farooq before seeking the help of police.
Detective Superintendent Paul Greenwood is the Head of Investigations for Counter Terrorism Policing North East. He said: “We welcome today’s sentence which reflects the seriousness of Farooq’s actions and the intent that led him to St James’s that morning.
“Farooq came dangerously close to harming innocent people. Thanks to the bravery of Nathan Newby he never fully realised his plans and has instead been forced to face the long-term consequences of his extreme ideology and deep-seated grievances.”
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