Explosives news from Burnley

Burnley has it's share of homemade explosive devices.

The BBC reported on the 6th April 2006 that a boy John J Ashley of Gordon Street, Worsthorne,had been hurt when he picked up a device in a yard (private property)of the Worsthorne Mini Skip Company in Cross Street near his home at approximately 10 pm. which exploded ....(Lancs Police pic of device after explosion - Lancs Telegraph report 8th April 2006)
Sun report
The boy's father Phil said: "I heard [a] bang and then I heard JJ screaming... He came running in and there was blood everywhere . He was kept overnight at Wythenshawe Hospital and his severely damaged hand (including a cut artery) required 3 hours of surgery. It is hoped he will regain the use of three of his fingers but will require further platsic surgery and sking grafts. (Burnley Express report 11th April 2006)

A second 3 foot long device was found nearby, which police claim a shot gun cartridge inserted in the device exploded when an attached string was pulled or snagged. It appeared to the Police to be some form of scaring device or booby trap to keep out trespassers.

Army and Bomb disposal squads were called out and the area searched.

Peter Smith, 49, and Jack Clarkson, 61, both of Burnley, (skip company owner) were charged with possession of a prohibited weapon also of Burnley, Derek Kokocinski, 55, is charged with making the device. They appeared at Burnley Magistrates' Court on 26 May 2006.

The 3 white defendents appeared again today at Burnley Crown Court (they are not in custody) to register a plea. Lawyers for the defence claimed that the device was not a firearm, a claim supported by a technical witness brandishing a report, and that the defence and prosecution should consult to establish the nature of the device before proceeding. The matter will be adjourned until both sides can agree.

The following points appear of interest ;

1. An explosive device injures a member of the public at random, manufactured to injure (BBC pic) - 6 months after the event the Police / CPS cannot be certain that the device is a "firearm" and therefore prosecution for manufacturing / ownership of a firearm is delayed and may fail.

2. The 3 white defendents have not been remanded, there are no charges under the various Terrorism Acts, and associated recent legislation.

3. Should the defendents claim succeed, it appears that the Police / CPS / Anti Terror Brigade have no legislation under which they can charge the 3 - resulting in their not being charged.

PS. There is no news on the Burnley BNP Bombers who were expected in Court this week..DOH .. as Antagonist points out the appearance was at PRESTON Crown Court and this is covered by BBC and ITV news reports - simply that they will appear for trial 12 February 2007 at MANCHESTER Crown Court. NO application for bail was made.

ON balance glad to cover the Burnley case - serendipity.