Menu
17/07/2012
Man Who Made Explosives Described By Judge As A 'Crank'
A man has been jailed for two-and-a-half years after admitting making explosives in a lock-up garage.
52-year-old Martin Counsell was arrested in May after police found the explosives in a garage in Buttermere Close and later pleaded guilty at Gloucester Crown Court to making the explosive substance TATP for an unlawful purpose.
Described by judge Jamie Tabor as a "crank", he said Counsell had an "obsessive fear of burglars", and he was a "lonely man who was making things in his garage which he shouldn't have done".
However he added that he was satisfied Counsell had no links to terrorism or any political agenda.
Det Ch Supt George Turner, Head of the South East Counter Terrorism Unit, said: "I believe that it is only a matter of good fortune that Counsell did not injure himself or others.
"In this case, his purpose was misguided, but extremely dangerous, and the severity of the materials he had in his possession made it necessary for our unit to become involved."
(H)
52-year-old Martin Counsell was arrested in May after police found the explosives in a garage in Buttermere Close and later pleaded guilty at Gloucester Crown Court to making the explosive substance TATP for an unlawful purpose.
Described by judge Jamie Tabor as a "crank", he said Counsell had an "obsessive fear of burglars", and he was a "lonely man who was making things in his garage which he shouldn't have done".
However he added that he was satisfied Counsell had no links to terrorism or any political agenda.
Det Ch Supt George Turner, Head of the South East Counter Terrorism Unit, said: "I believe that it is only a matter of good fortune that Counsell did not injure himself or others.
"In this case, his purpose was misguided, but extremely dangerous, and the severity of the materials he had in his possession made it necessary for our unit to become involved."
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 December 2003
18 die in Baghdad tanker explosion
Up to 18 people are reported to have been killed after a fuel tanker exploded on a busy road in Baghdad today. Initial reports suggest that around 15 people have also been injured in the blast which occurred at a crossroads in the capital's western district of Bayaa.
18 die in Baghdad tanker explosion
Up to 18 people are reported to have been killed after a fuel tanker exploded on a busy road in Baghdad today. Initial reports suggest that around 15 people have also been injured in the blast which occurred at a crossroads in the capital's western district of Bayaa.
27 November 2003
Al Qaeda suspect arrested in Gloucester
Gloucestershire Constabulary officers working with the Metropolitan Police Service have arrested a 24-year-old man at his home address in the Barton Street area of Gloucester this morning.
Al Qaeda suspect arrested in Gloucester
Gloucestershire Constabulary officers working with the Metropolitan Police Service have arrested a 24-year-old man at his home address in the Barton Street area of Gloucester this morning.
02 April 2015
Jail For Man Caught In Possession Of Explosives
A man has been jailed for more than three years after he admitted possessing explosive substances. Last year, police discovered a significant number of items in two properties in Edinburgh in April 2014.
Jail For Man Caught In Possession Of Explosives
A man has been jailed for more than three years after he admitted possessing explosive substances. Last year, police discovered a significant number of items in two properties in Edinburgh in April 2014.
10 March 2014
Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Possessing Explosives
A 55-year-old man has been arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of possessing explosives. "Potentially hazardous materials" were discovered at a property in Chestnut Grove, Mexborough. Around 50 homes were evacuated and a cordon was put in place. The police and army bomb disposal experts are evaluating the materials.
Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Possessing Explosives
A 55-year-old man has been arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of possessing explosives. "Potentially hazardous materials" were discovered at a property in Chestnut Grove, Mexborough. Around 50 homes were evacuated and a cordon was put in place. The police and army bomb disposal experts are evaluating the materials.
19 June 2003
So Solid Crew member gets four years
A member of one of the UK's most influential garage groups has been sent down for four years today after being convicted of possessing a loaded handgun. Twenty-four-year-old Jason Phillips, of So Solid Crew, was found to have dumped the gun after being challenged by a police officer in London on November 14/15 2002.
So Solid Crew member gets four years
A member of one of the UK's most influential garage groups has been sent down for four years today after being convicted of possessing a loaded handgun. Twenty-four-year-old Jason Phillips, of So Solid Crew, was found to have dumped the gun after being challenged by a police officer in London on November 14/15 2002.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
