Stone 'bomb to go off in minutes'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7416695.stm

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A security guard has told the Michael Stone trial that when he asked him was there a bomb, he replied it would "go off in two minutes".

Mark Smith, one of three guards who restrained and disarmed Stone, told the court he was injured when he removed a knife from the defendant's pocket.

He said Stone apologised because he had hurt him.

Stone, 53, denies attempting to murder Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness as well as 12 other charges.

These include possessing nail and pipe bombs with intent, possessing three knives, an axe and a garotte and having an imitation firearm with intent to commit an offence.

Mr Smith removed three knives as well as a small axe, two objects he thought were pipe bombs, a lighter and a small pair of scissors.

During Friday's hearing, Mr Smith told the court Stone said if the gun he had was real, he would have used it against Mr Adams or Mr McGuinness.

The loyalist killer has said his 2006 storming of the Northern Ireland Assembly was performance art and denies attempted murder and other charges.

When he was searched it transpired he was wearing a bullet-proof flak jacket.

The trial continues.