Man jailed for destroying copies of the Quran at Leeds hospital and writing anti-Semitic graffiti
A man has been imprisoned for destroying copies of the Quran at a Leeds hospital and writing ‘kill Jews’ on his cell wall.
Ibrahim Iqbal, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Leeds Magistrates’ Court yesterday (March 17) to 40 weeks imprisonment.
The 36-year-old was previously found guilty of two counts of religiously aggravated criminal damage and one count of criminal damage.
Police were called to an incident of religiously aggravated criminal damage within a multi faith room in the Bexley Wing at St James’s Hospital, on November 29, 2025.
A framed Islamic scripture had been smashed, and multiple copies of the Quran had been defaced, with pages torn out, set alight and used to block the sink and toilet.
A further incident of criminal damage within the multi faith room was reported on December 9, with items used to cause a blockage in the drains.
Iqbal was detained by hospital security staff on December 10, having again tried to gain access to the same room.
He was arrested and identified on CCTV. During his detainment, Iqbal committed a further act of religiously aggravated criminal damage when he wrote anti-semitic graffiti on his cell wall using crayon at the police station.
Iqbal was due to be sentenced on February 16 but it was adjourned so that a probation report could be prepared. During the hearing, Iqbal berated court staff, pretended to vape and dismissed his legal team before storming out.
Speaking after his sentencing, Leeds District Commander, Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds, said that “hate crimes will not be tolerated in the city.
He added: “Iqbal caused damage to a room in a hospital that is used by people of all faiths for quiet reflection and prayer at what can be a very difficult time for them and their loved ones, ultimately resulting in its closure while the damage had to be repaired.
“I know his actions, both at the hospital and while in custody, will have been particularly felt within the Muslim and Jewish communities.
“Everyone has a right to live their life, and practice their religion, without the fear of targeted abuse for who they are.”