Further trial delays over alleged pressure-cooker bomb plot at Leeds' St James' Hospital

Mohammed Farooq, 28, is is accused of planning attacks on the hospital and an RAF base from earlier this year.

But the case, which was due to begin last week, has been stalled by ongoing legal issues between the prosecution, defence counsel and the judge, Mr Justice Hilliard at Sheffield Crown Court. Discussions resumed this morning but the jury is yet to be brought back into court.

After Mr Hilliard said he “could not see the case starting this week”, it was eventually adjourned until this Friday, October 27.

Farooq, a 28-year-old clinical support worker, was arrested in the early hours of January 20 in the grounds of St James’ Hospital. He is accused of planning to target not only the hospital, but RAF Menwith Hill, in Harrogate.

When he appeared on Friday he pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property.

He continues to face trial on a charge he denies of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts. Last week, Farooq, of Hetton Road, Roundhay, admitted a number of other charges.

It is alleged that, between July 12, 2021 and January 21, 2023, he engaged in conduct including “manufacturing or assembling an improvised explosive device”.

It also alleges that he travelled to locations between January 19 and 20 2023 “in order to carry out an attack” and conducted reconnaissance of “potential locations for attack”.