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Ex-BNP man jailed over chemicals Ex-BNP man jailed over chemicals
(20 minutes later)
A former British National Party (BNP) candidate who stored a collection of explosive chemicals at his home has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.A former British National Party (BNP) candidate who stored a collection of explosive chemicals at his home has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.
Robert Cottage, 49, of Talbot Street in Colne, Lancashire, was cleared after two trials of conspiracy to cause explosions at Manchester Crown Court.Robert Cottage, 49, of Talbot Street in Colne, Lancashire, was cleared after two trials of conspiracy to cause explosions at Manchester Crown Court.
Police had discovered a huge stockpile of chemicals at his home in September 2006. Police found a stockpile of chemicals at his home, which he was hoarding in anticipation of a civil war.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to possession of the chemicals. Cottage had earlier pleaded guilty to possession of the chemicals.
He has already served more than 10 months in jail and is likely to be free within six months.
'Potentially dangerous'
His barrister, Alistair Webster QC, said his client accepted he had bought the chemicals but said they would only be used to create "thunder flash" style bangers to scare off intruders.
Sentencing Cottage, Mrs Justice Swift said Cottage's actions had been "criminal and potentially dangerous".
She added there was a low risk of him committing further offences.
"I am satisfied it was Cottage's views on how he put it 'the evils of uncontrolled immigration' would lead to civil war which would be imminent and inevitable.
"I accept the intention was to hold these chemicals until the outbreak of civil unrest. That was a criminal and potentially dangerous act.
"In letting off any such thunder flash mistakenly believing you were under threat you may have caused injury to some innocent person."
A second man, dentist David Jackson, 62, was also charged with conspiracy to cause explosions but was cleared after the jury twice failed to reach verdicts.