Medal for man who 'talked down' hospital bomber

Mohammed Farooq had a pressure cooker device with 10kg of explosives at St James's University Hospital, Leeds, in January 2023

A patient who intervened to prevent a bombing at a hospital and "ultimately saved many lives" has been awarded a bravery medal.

Nathan Newby has received the George Medal for his intervention with Mohammed Farooq, who had a pressure cooker device with 10kg of explosives, at St James's University Hospital, Leeds, in January 2023.

Mr Newby saw him and engaged with him for two hours, successfully persuading him to abandon his plans.

Farooq was later found guilty at Sheffield Crown Court of preparing acts of terrorism and was jailed for life with a minimum term of 37 years.

The George Medal, which is open to civilians, is awarded for "conspicuous gallantry not in the presence of the enemy".

The Cabinet Office said Mr Newby's "actions in the face of imminent danger over a sustained period likely prevented a potentially catastrophic event at the hospital" and "ultimately saved many lives".

Mohammad Farooq planned to set off a homemade bomb inside St James's Hospital in Leeds in January 2023

During Farooq's trial, prosecutors said Mr Newby was standing outside the hospital having a cigarette and "noticed the defendant" and realised that something was up and began to talk to him.

Prosecutor Jonathan Sandiford KC told the court, Mr Newby's "simple act of kindness almost certainly saved many lives that night".

"As the defendant was later to tell the police officers who arrested him, Mr Newby succeeded in 'talking him down'."

The trial judge, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb described Mr Newby's evidence outlining how Farooq told him how he planned to kill people as "the most remarkable the court has ever heard".

Speaking after Farooq's conviction, Det Sup Paul Greenwood, head of investigations for Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said they were "sincerely grateful" for Mr Newby's actions.

The detective said he had exposed himself to a significant threat and called his actions that day "heroic".

"[His] bravery and willingness to calm Farooq prevented him from fully realising his plans.

"Had he not intervened the outcome could have been devastating."

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