Homemade bombs discovered at Dudley flat
Crude homemade bombs were discovered in the home of a Black Country man – one of which was packed inside a rucksack, a court was told.
A vodka bottle reportedly containing screws, ball bearings and gunpowder was found in the bag that was lying at the foot of a bed.
A second device involving an unspecified low quantity explosive composition was discovered in a jar at the same flat.
Liam Hedley was stopped in the street where he was living around 1.35pm on August 29.
The 28-year-old was detained near his home in Wolverhampton Street, Dudley, in connection with an unrelated matter that did not lead to criminal proceedings.
Concerns were reportedly raised while he was being questioned at a local police station and this triggered the search of his home during which the explosive devices were found.
Details of the drama emerged after Hedley yesterday pleaded guilty to two charges of having an illegal explosive substance. The first referred to gun powder and the other involved a low quantity explosive composition.
The admissions were entered on the basis that he made the two devices found at his flat but had no idea what he was going to do with them. This was accepted by the prosecution.
Mr Malcolm Fowler, defending, told Wolverhampton Crown Court: "It mirrors the extent of the mischief alleged."
Judge John Warner, observed: "This matter is not being prosecuted by the counter terrorism department."
Hedley was remanded in custody for reports until December 9 when he will be sentenced.
Neighbours today spoke of the drama sparked by the discovery of the devices. Cynthia Burgin, of Burgin's newsagents in Wolverhampton Street, said: "There were plenty of police about, but we were never informed at the time what it was all about."
A neighbour, who did not wish to be named said: "It was quite a scene. Six to seven important looking police turning up and a 'testing engine' across the road."
