Bomb plot trial jury discharged

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A jury has failed to reach verdicts in the trial of a former British National Party (BNP) candidate and a dentist accused of plotting to make bombs.

Robert Cottage, 49, and David Jackson, 62, both of Lancashire, denied conspiracy to make an explosion with chemicals ordered over the internet.

The jury at Manchester Crown Court informed Justice Beatson they were unable to reach a majority verdict.

They were discharged after three days' deliberation. There will be a retrial.

Mr Cottage, from Talbot Street, Colne, pleaded guilty to possession of explosives at the start of his trial, claiming they were to deter attacks on his property.

Retrial hearing

The former BNP candidate, who failed to be elected in three local elections, told the jury he thought civil unrest would break out and that he had stockpiled food, petrol and chemicals to make gunpowder.

However, he said that he only planned to manufacture a device which would make a loud bang and flashes to frighten off intruders but not hurt anybody.

He and dentist David Jackson, of Trent Road, Nelson, both denied conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life.

However, Mr Jackson, who was not a BNP member but had attended several party meetings, also denied one count of possessing explosives.

Bow and arrows

The case centred around a police search of Mr Cottage's home last September which uncovered ball bearings, a host of chemicals and a document called the Anarchy Cookbook, which detailed how to make bombs.

After interviewing Mr Cottage, they later recovered two nuclear protection suits and bows and arrows from Mr Jackson's home in Trent Road, Nelson.

A hearing will take place at Manchester Crown Court on 28 February to arrange a date for a retrial.

Both men were remanded in custody.