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Ex BNP man 'feared UK civil war' Ex-BNP man 'feared UK civil war'
(40 minutes later)
A former British National Party (BNP) candidate admitted possessing explosive chemicals in anticipation of a civil war in Britain, a court heard.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. Robert Cottage, 49, from Colne, 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. Mr Cottage denies conspiracy to cause an explosion.
A second man, David Jackson, 62, of Nelson, Lancashire, denies both charges under the Explosive Substances Act.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.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.He explained that his client believed the "political and financial condition of the country" would lead to civil war within the coming years.
David Jackson denies charges under the Explosive Substances ActMr Cottage accepted the possession charge on the basis that the explosives were designed to deter attacks on his property, Mr Webster said. The bomb they intended to make would have had the ability to cause damage or cause serious injuries Louise Blackwell, prosecuting
Mr Cottage accepted the possession charge on the basis that the explosives were designed to deter attacks on his property, Mr Webster said.
Louise Blackwell QC, prosecuting, said the case had come to light after Mr Cottage's wife became increasingly concerned about his behaviour.Louise Blackwell QC, prosecuting, said the case had come to light after Mr Cottage's wife became increasingly concerned about his behaviour.
Kerena Cottage suffered mental health problems and told her social worker that her husband had several crossbows and chemicals stored in his home.Kerena Cottage suffered mental health problems and told her social worker that her husband had several crossbows and chemicals stored in his home.
She also revealed that he wanted to shoot Prime Minister Tony Blair and local Liberal Democrat peer Lord Greaves, Miss Blackwell told the court.She also revealed that he wanted to shoot Prime Minister Tony Blair and local Liberal Democrat peer Lord Greaves, Miss Blackwell told the court.
When police raided his house they discovered 21 types of chemicals which, when combined, could form explosives. When police raided his house on 28 September 2006 they discovered 21 types of chemicals which, when combined, could form explosives.
Miss Blackwell said they also uncovered a document called the Anarchy Cookbook, which detailed how to make different types of bombs.Miss Blackwell said they also uncovered a document called the Anarchy Cookbook, which detailed how to make different types of bombs.
In her statement to police, Mrs Cottage said her husband held "strong views on immigration" and his membership of the BNP had driven "a wedge" between them. Rob believes there will be a civil war and the emergence of a new world order Kerena Cottage, wife of accused
Ball bearings - which the prosecution claim could be used as shrapnel for explosive devices - were also found, along with four air pistols.
After interviewing Mr Cottage, detectives raided Mr Jackson's home on 1 October and found a bow and arrow and two nuclear protection suits.
Miss Blackwell said: "The prosecution say these two men together agreed to order these chemicals... and they intended to make a bomb with them.
"The bomb they intended to make would have had the ability to cause damage or cause serious injuries."
Miss Blackwell also read out a statement on behalf of Mrs Cottage, who was unfit to attend court because of her mental health problems.
"Rob believes there will be a civil war and the emergence of a new world order," the statement said.
"Rob has also started stockpiling supplies," the statement added.
The trial continues.The trial continues.