A hospital patient who talked a would-be terrorist out of detonating a bomb in a maternity wing has spoken publicly for the first time about his actions. Nathan Newby, 35, from Leeds, engaged Mohammad Farooq in conversation for several hours, eventually persuading him to surrender to police. Farooq was later jailed for life with a minimum term of 37 years for plotting to bomb St James's Hospital in Leeds in January 2023.
Mr Newby, who was a patient at the hospital at the time, said he approached Farooq after noticing him acting strangely. Over the course of their conversation, Farooq revealed he had a homemade pressure cooker bomb and intended to 'kill as many nurses as possible'. Mr Newby said he remained calm and focused on moving Farooq away from the building to minimise potential casualties.
During the encounter, Farooq asked for a hug several times, which Mr Newby provided. He described Farooq as 'normal' and said he did not judge him. Eventually, Farooq told Mr Newby to phone the police, saying 'before I change my mind'. Armed officers arrived and detained Farooq without incident.
Mr Newby will receive the George Medal, the second-highest civilian gallantry award, for his bravery. The judge in the case, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, described him as 'an extraordinary, ordinary man whose decency and kindness prevented an atrocity'.
