A 27-year-old man has appeared in court charged with preparing a terror attack, after he was arrested at a Leeds hospital with explosives and an imitation firearm.
Mohammad Farooq, who lives in the Roundhay area of Leeds, appeared via video link at Westminster Magistrates Court, after prosecutors authorised charges against him.
He wore a prison issue grey tracksuit as he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and home address.
A member of the bomb disposal unit wearing protective equipment at St James's Hospital, Leeds
Ben Lack
The court heard how Farooq was arrested by police outside St James’s hospital last Friday morning after a call from a worried member of the public.
A military bomb disposal team was called to the hospital after authorities found a suspicious package he was allegedly carrying.
The court was told how a detailed examination of the items found a pressure cooker packed with 13kg of explosives.
A quantity of nails were also allegedly found in the accused’s car nearby. Bomb disposal experts assessed the device as viable.
The 27-year-old faces three charges.
A charge of preparing acts of terrorism relates to the alleged reconnaissance of an RAF base in North Yorkshire late last year.
He also faces one count of possessing explosives and another of possessing an imitation firearm.
Farooq was remanded in custody and will appear at the Central Criminal Court, the Old Bailey on 3 February.
