Leeds, UK – A man who averted a potential bombing at St James’s Hospital in Leeds last year has been lauded as a hero, but his account of the events leading up to the would-be attacker’s surrender reveals a startling and profoundly human element: a request for a cuddle. Nathan Newby, 35, will receive the George Medal – the second-highest civilian gallantry award – on Wednesday for his extraordinary actions in talking Mohammad Farooq down from detonating a pressure cooker bomb intended to harm hospital staff.
Farooq, a former clinical support worker at the hospital, was motivated by a combination of extremist ideology and a personal grievance against nurses, prosecutors said during his trial. He was sentenced to at least 37 years in prison in November 2023 after pleading guilty to preparing an act of terrorism. The Guardian reported on the sentencing, detailing the severity of the threat Farooq posed.
Newby, himself a patient at the hospital on the night of January 20, 2023, encountered Farooq whereas stepping outside for a cigarette. He described Farooq as appearing distressed, “swaying like he’d had some bad news.” Driven by a simple impulse to aid, Newby initiated a conversation, an act of kindness that ultimately prevented a tragedy. The unfolding events, as recounted by Newby and presented in court, demonstrate the power of human connection even in the face of extreme danger.
A Conversation That Averted Disaster
The initial conversation was unremarkable, Newby explained. He simply asked Farooq if he was alright. Over the course of several hours, the two men talked, with Farooq eventually revealing his plan and the presence of the bomb. “I could hear it in his voice, it wasn’t a joke,” Newby said. He requested to see the device to confirm its authenticity, and Farooq readily complied, showing him the pressure cooker bomb.
Despite his fear, Newby’s primary concern became keeping Farooq away from the hospital building and, crucially, engaging him in conversation. He focused on minimizing potential harm, estimating the blast radius and attempting to move Farooq to a safer location. “If it goes off, it’s just going to be me and him, and I want to create sure it’s just me and him and not no one else,” Newby recalled thinking.
The conversation took an unexpected turn when Farooq repeatedly asked Newby for a cuddle. “He asked for a cuddle a few times, and I said yeah, of course you can,” Newby stated. This seemingly incongruous request, amidst the gravity of the situation, highlights the complex emotional state of the would-be attacker.
“A Nice Guy Going Through Bad Things”
Newby’s perspective on Farooq is remarkably empathetic. He described the bomber as “probably a nice guy” who was “going through bad things at the time.” This sentiment, while potentially controversial, underscores Newby’s focus on de-escalation and his belief in the inherent humanity of even those who commit terrible acts. He emphasized that he didn’t judge Farooq, seeing him as “unique in his own ways.”
During Farooq’s trial, the court heard that he had become “self-radicalised” and was inspired by the Islamic State group, but also harbored a long-standing grievance with nurses at the hospital where he previously worked. The BBC reported that the judge acknowledged the complex motivations behind the attack.
Newby’s own struggles with mental health at the time may have contributed to his ability to connect with Farooq. He recognized a shared vulnerability and approached the situation with compassion rather than condemnation.
The Judge’s Remarkable Assessment
Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb, who presided over Farooq’s sentencing, praised Newby’s “decency and kindness” as having “prevented an atrocity in a maternity wing of a major British hospital.” She further stated that Newby’s evidence was “among the most remarkable this court has ever heard.” This judicial recognition underscores the profound impact of Newby’s actions and the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the averted attack.
The case highlights the critical role that ordinary citizens can play in preventing acts of terrorism. Newby’s willingness to engage with a potentially dangerous individual, coupled with his empathy and calm demeanor, ultimately saved lives.
Looking Ahead
Mohammad Farooq will remain incarcerated for a significant period, serving at least 37 years of his sentence. Authorities continue to assess the threat of lone-wolf terrorism and are working to identify and disrupt potential attacks. The National Counter Terrorism Policing HQ provides updates and guidance on staying safe and reporting suspicious activity. Further information can be found on the UK government website.
Nathan Newby’s bravery and compassion serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection and the potential for even the most challenging situations to be resolved through empathy and understanding. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of kindness in the face of adversity.
If you or someone you understand has been affected by the events described, or are struggling with mental health, resources are available. You can contact the NHS mental health helpline on 111, or discover support through the charity Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/.
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