Leeds St James's Hospital: Man in court on terror charges

A student nurse accused of taking a homemade bomb to the Leeds hospital he worked at has appeared in court.

Mohammad Farooq was said to have the device outside the maternity ward of St James’s Hospital on 20 January.

Mr Farooq, 27, who was also said to have undertaken reconnaissance outside an RAF base, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court accused of preparing a terrorist act.

He did not enter a plea and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on 3 February.

Prosecutors allege Mr Farooq, of Hetton Road, Roundhay, Leeds, was found with a pressure cooker bomb outside the ward.

They also argue that, inspired by radical Islam, he carried out “hostile reconnaissance” of an RAF base in Yorkshire in January.

Mr Farooq was arrested outside the maternity ward on 20 January.

It is alleged he had constructed a viable bomb, containing 13.7kg of a homemade low-explosive mixture and a length of pyrotechnic fuse.

Prosecutors added he also had an imitation firearm on him, a Gediz 9mm P.A.K semi-automatic pistol, at the time of his arrest.

They said he had been due to work a shift and had a grudge against a member of staff.

The incident prompted part of the hospital to be evacuated.

The defendant appeared via videolink, speaking only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

He did not enter pleas to charges of engaging in conduct in preparation of an act of terrorism, possessing an imitation firearm and possession of an explosive substance with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property.

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