Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Saturday 22nd March 2025, at 08:50hrs
Mohammad Sohail Farooq, 28, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 37 years for plotting terrorist attacks on RAF Menwith Hill and St James’s Hospital in Leeds.
Farooq, born on October 18, 1995, was convicted of preparing for an act of terrorism following a three-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court in July.
The jury heard how the clinical support worker, inspired by Daesh propaganda, procured weapons and manufactured an explosive device in preparation for his planned attacks.
Prior to the trial, Farooq had already pleaded guilty to possession of an explosive substance with intent to endanger life, firearms offences, and possession of terrorist material.
The court heard that on January 20, 2023, he was found in the grounds of St James’s Hospital carrying an improvised bomb, knives, and an imitation firearm.
Crucially, inpatient Nathan Newby encountered Farooq and managed to de-escalate the situation, preventing any harm, before alerting the police.
Detective Superintendent Paul Greenwood, Head of Investigations for Counter Terrorism Policing North East, stated,
“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.”
Professor Phil Wood, Chief Executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, expressed gratitude for the actions taken to ensure safety.
“Today’s sentencing helps us continue to move on from the events of that morning.
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 on the day to keep everyone safe. 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.”
The authorities emphasized the importance of public vigilance in combating terrorism.
They urged anyone who observes suspicious activity to report it to the police in confidence via http://gov.uk/ACT.
In emergencies, individuals are reminded to dial 999.
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