Ex BNP man 'feared UK civil war'

A former British National Party (BNP) candidate admitted possessing explosive chemicals in anticipation of a civil war in Britain, a court heard.

Robert Cottage, 49, from Lancashire, pleaded guilty to possession of explosives at the start of his trial at Manchester Crown Court. The 49-year-old, from Colne, denies conspiracy to cause an explosion. A second man, David Jackson, 62, of Nelson, Lancashire, denies both charges under the Explosive Substances Act.

Alistair Webster QC, defending, said Mr Cottage, of Talbot Street, was a former BNP candidate and had been the subject of threats. He explained that his client believed the "political and financial condition of the country" would lead to civil war within the coming years.

Mr Cottage accepted the possession charge on the basis that the explosives were designed to deter attacks on his property, Mr Webster said.

The trial continues.

BBC
There's a rather more interesting (and enlightening) report in today's Telegraph.

Ex-BNP candidate admits stockpiling weapons

A former election candidate for the British National Party has today admitted stockpiling explosive chemicals for an anticipated civil war in Britain. Robert Cottage, 49, pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court to one count of possession of explosives on the first day of his trial.

His barrister, Alistair Webster QC, said his client was a former BNP candidate and had been the subject of threats. He explained his client, who lives in Colne, Lancashire, believed the "political and financial condition of the country" would lead to civil war within the coming years. He said his client accepted the charge on the basis that the explosives were designed to deter attacks on his property. He added that this premise was not accepted by the prosecution.

Opening the case for the prosecution, Louise Blackwell QC said Cottage's wife had told how he wanted to shoot Tony Blair and local Liberal Democrat peer Lord Greaves. Miss Blackwell said Kerena Cottage suffered mental health problems and told a social worker her husband had several crossbows and chemicals stored in his home.

This sparked a police operation and officers raided the house. During the swoop they discovered 21 types of chemicals which, when mixed together, could form explosives. They also recovered a 300-page computer document called the Anarchy Cookbook which detailed how to make different types of bombs.

A statement given to police by Mrs Cottage said her husband held "strong views on immigration" and his membership of the BNP had driven "a wedge" between them.

Cottage also denies one count of conspiracy to cause an explosion. A second man, David Jackson, 62, denies one count of possession of explosives and one of conspiracy to cause an explosion.

Telegraph