In 2024, the Offender Database recorded that Nathan Newby, 35, was awarded the George Medal for his role in preventing a terrorist atrocity at St James’s Hospital, Leeds. On January 20, 2023, Newby intervened when he encountered Mohammad Farooq, who was armed with a viable pressure cooker bomb and a firearm outside the hospital’s maternity wing. It was reported that Newby, a patient at the hospital at the time, engaged Farooq in a conversation that lasted several hours, eventually persuading him to move away from the building and surrender to the police.
The investigation established that Farooq was a self-radicalised terrorist inspired by Islamic State. West Yorkshire Police reported that Farooq, a clinical support worker at the hospital, had intended to carry out the attack due to a grievance with his colleagues. The prosecution reported that Farooq had twice scoped out the maternity ward before being confronted by Newby. The investigation established that Newby used empathy and kindness to de-escalate the situation, even offering Farooq a cuddle when the attacker became distressed and spoke about his mental health struggles.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Newby’s actions were the primary reason a mass-casualty event was avoided. Sheffield Crown Court heard that Newby remained calm even after Farooq revealed he was carrying a bomb and showed him the device. The investigation established that Newby successfully maneuvered Farooq to a bench further away from the hospital, hoping that if the bomb detonated, only the two of them would be harmed.
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb described Newby as an extraordinary, ordinary man whose decency prevented an atrocity. For his actions in Leeds, Farooq was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 37 years. The judge noted that Farooq’s plan was a lethal one, intended to kill and maim as many people as possible, including newborn babies and their mothers, and that Newby’s bravery was of the highest order.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Mohammad Farooq is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: Life imprisonment (Minimum term of 37 years).
- Terrorist Notification: Subject to the notification requirements of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court following a West Yorkshire Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Preparing acts of terrorism; Possession of an explosive substance with intent; Possession of an imitation firearm with intent.
- Incident Location: St James’s Hospital, Leeds, West Yorkshire.
- Origin: Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Farooq is managed within the high-security prison estate under the supervision of specialized counter-terrorism units. Due to the nature of his conduct at St James’s Hospital, which involved a sophisticated plot to bomb a maternity unit, his management is a maximum priority. Authorities state that his self-radicalisation and willingness to target a medical facility necessitate long-term psychological monitoring and de-radicalisation efforts within the custodial system.
As a life-sentenced prisoner, Farooq will remain a person of interest to national security services indefinitely. Authorities state that the bravery of Nathan Newby in Leeds provided the critical window needed for armed officers to secure the scene without loss of life. Any future consideration for parole after his 37-year minimum term will involve a rigorous assessment by the Parole Board to ensure he no longer poses a threat to the public.
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