News

Man accused of targeting hospital with explosives

A man accused of trying to bomb a hospital downloaded documents on how to make explosives, Sheffield Crown Court has heard.

Mohammed Farooq, 28, has been accused of targeting St James's Hospital in Leeds in January 2023.

He denies preparing acts of terrorism, but has pleaded guilty to firearms offences and possessing an explosive substance with intent.

Farooq also pleaded guilty to having a document likely to be useful to a person preparing or committing an act of terrorism.

On Tuesday Detective Constable Maisie Stevens told jurors at Sheffield Crown Court Farooq's downloads included a 157-page document called The Anarchist's Cookbook.

Stevens said this contained instructions on how to make "a variety of explosives and different booby traps," she said.

A screenshot of a video on how to make black powder was also discovered on his phone, as well as searches for ingredients needed for the explosive substance and a pressure cooker, she said.

The trial is ongoing.

Partners

View the latest
digital issue