British Man Found Guilty of Planning Terrorist Attack Sentenced to 37 Years

A British man named Mohammad Farooq, aged 29, has been sentenced to a minimum of 37 years in prison for planning a terrorist attack. He was found guilty of trying to create a homemade bomb using explosives derived from fireworks. The court ruled that he was guilty of preparing acts of terrorism and possessing explosive materials with the intention to kill people.

In January 2023, Farooq, who was a student nurse, was arrested outside St. James’s Hospital in Leeds where he worked. Police discovered a device with nearly 10 kilograms of explosives inside it. Prosecutors said that at first, he planned to attack the RAF Base at Menwith Hill, a military base in North Yorkshire used by U.S. forces, but he changed his mind and opted for a supposedly easier target due to the base’s tight security.

According to Judge Bobbie Cheema Grubb, Farooq used to scroll through online extremist content tied to ISIS. She also said that he “came dangerously close” to causing harm and damage. Already before the trial, Farooq had pleaded guilty to several charges, including having explosives.

Counterterrorism officials brought said that this case was a reminder of the threat of radicalization via the internet. “This was a serious plot that was stopped by vigilant policing,” said Superintendent Paul Greenwood. Authorities have confirmed that there are no ongoing threats related to this case.