Ex-soldier's bomb threats hit assembly

Fussell planted a fake bomb at the assembly building

A former solider with psychiatric problems used his army experience to launch a bomb hoax campaign at the Welsh Assembly, a court has heard.

Christopher Fussell planted a fake device at Crickhowell House in Cardiff Bay and plagued police with hoax calls in April.

He used his military experience to achieve his objective

Judge Nazreen Pearce

Codenamed "Brian," he embarked on a protest against the government's foot-and-mouth policy.

He admitted six charges of making hoax calls and one of placing a fake incenduary device.

Fussell, 61, from Mountain Ash, in the south Wales Valleys, was arrested in Carmarthen in April but was admitted to hospital after he was taken ill while in custody.

'Well thought-out'

Judge Nazreen Pearce said: "This is a very serious case - it is very disturbing.

"Fussell used his past military experience to achieve his objective. It was well thought out."

His 999 calls to the police and to a Cardiff newspaper from a telephone box also claimed a bomb had been placed at the disease burial site in near Sennybridge, where thousands of cattle were burned as part of the Government's plans to dispose of potentially diseased animals.

Fussell was angered by the foot-and-mouth policy

Fussell is reported to have been angry with the handling of disposals at the site.

There were no devices at the army range, but police officers found security wires on a gate guarding a compound to the rear of the building was cut during the night.

A plastic bag with wires sticking out had been placed inside.

He was sprung when police recognised his voice after he reported his car stolen.

Cardiff Crown Court heard on Friday that Fussell was suffering psychiatric problems at the time of the incidents in April this year.

Judge Pearce made an interim hospital order for further psychiatric assessment. The hearing was adjourned until next month.