Explosives case update: defendants cross-examined

Dentist: 'explosives were chemistry hobby'

A dentist accused of plotting to make bombs was hoping to revive a chemistry hobby when he ordered explosive materials from the internet, a court heard today.

David Jackson, of Trent Road, Nelson, was due to retire in September last year and was looking for something to fill his spare time, he told Manchester Crown Court this morning. Jackson denies conspiring to cause an explosion with co-defendant Robert Cottage, of Talbot Street, Colne.

Jackson, 62, claimed he ordered supplies of chemicals, some that could be used to make high-powered explosives, to re-stock an old chemistry set he had last used in the 1970s. Jackson told the court he had used it to show local youngsters experiments and added: "They would be amazed by the impressive colour changes and colourful flames."

He said he had only an intellectual interest in chemistry. He said: "Explosions are just a part of it. It's also the wonderful colours and the things I use in my work."

Jackson told the court that Cottage's interest in chemistry was more to do with antiseptic and practical uses of chemicals.

The court was told Jackson and Cottage met four years ago through in interest in the BNP. Jackson said he did not share Cottage's views that the country would soon see a civil war. The court has earlier heard that Cottage, 49, had stockpiled food, weapons and chemicals in preparation for an attack on his home.

Jackson denies the pair were working together to create a bomb. He said: "I do have strong views, but I suppose I am too idle to do anything about them."

This is Lancashire

A&E cuts led to 'kill Blair' threat

A former BNP candidate accused of plotting to make bombs threatened to shoot Tony Blair over the closure of Burnley hospital's accident and emergency department, a court was told.

Robert Cottage, 49, wrote a threat in his diary during a "fit of pique" after Blair announced NHS plans Cottage, of Talbot Street, Colne, told Manchester Crown Court he was angry following his father's death from a heart attack. He said: "The closure of that unit would mean that anybody... needing emergency treatment would face a journey out to Blackburn."

He said politicians had ignored a petition with 10,000 signatures. Cottage wrote that the "easiest way to save the country would be to shoot Tony Blair." But he told the court: "I don't believe that political violence furthers political ends."

Cottage denied that he had ordered explosive material from the internet to carry out terrorist attacks. He only wanted to make harmless devices to scare away attackers in the event of civil war, which was imminent because of the "chaotic mess" the country was in.

Cottage said he was a target because of his previous involvement in the BNP. The former children's bus driver said he had received threats while canvassing in Vivary Bridge, Colne.

He bought iodine crystals to fight radiation poisoning from uranium bullets which he said were being [used] in Iraq. He purchased hydrogen peroxide to coat face masks to protect him from bird flu. He had filled a store room with food and weapons and taught his wife and 16-year-old son how to shoot a gun.

Cottage said it was a person's duty to protect himself and his family.

Cottage met co-defendant 52-year-old David Jackson from Trent Road, Nelson, through the BNP. He ordered chemicals for Jackson in September last year as "chemistry was an interest he had very close to his heart." But he denied they ever spoke about making a bomb.

Cottage denied trying to cover his tracks by spreading his order across several dates.

Prosecuting, Louise Blackwell said he tried to disguise his purchases by stashing them in coffee tins. Cottage replied: "If I wanted to hide them I would have dug a hole and buried them. When supplies become short they are not going to be available. I was just stocking up."

Cottage has pleaded guilty to possession of explosives but denies conspiracy to create an explosion.

Jackson denies both charges.

Burnley Citizen