Ex-BNP man's bomb trial ends without verdict

A jury trying a former British National party candidate and another man on bomb-making charges was discharged today after failing to reach a verdict during three days of deliberations.

The jury of five men and seven women at Manchester crown court had been asked to reach a majority verdict if possible. But this afternoon judge Justice Beatson heard they had been unable to do so. Prosecutor Louise Blackwell said the Crown Prosecution Service would apply for a retrial.

Robert Cottage, 49, and David Jackson, 62, both deny conspiracy to make an explosion with chemicals that they ordered on the internet. The court had heard that Mr Cottage, an unsuccessful BNP candidate in three local elections, had talked of wanting to shoot the prime minister, and had stockpiled explosives and weapons because he believed the country was on the verge of civil war.

According to the prosecution, he and Mr Jackson bought a large number of chemicals over the internet. If mixed correctly, these could have created a powerful bomb. Mr Cottage also had a digital copy of the Anarchist Cookbook, a bomb-making manual, as well as crossbows and four air rifles at his home in Colne, Lancashire, the jury was told.

He told the court he had purchased the weapons to protect his family during what he believed was an imminent civil war.

"I believe it is everybody's God-given right to protect themselves and their families if they are attacked," he said. "The breakdown of the financial system will inevitably put an unbearable strain on the social structures of this country."

Mr Jackson, who is not a BNP member but attended several party meetings, also denies one count of possessing explosives. Cottage earlier admitted the same charge. Both men were remanded in custody pending a retrial.

Guardian