Protest bomb hoaxer in bed row

Fussell planted a fake bomb at the assembly building

A former solider with psychiatric problems who used his army experience to launch a bomb hoax campaign at the Welsh Assembly cannot be sentenced because of a hospital bed shortage.

Christopher Fussell planted a fake device at Crickhowell House in Cardiff Bay in April, plaguing police with hoax calls, and will hear his fate at Cardiff Crown Court.

He used his military experience to achieve his objective

Judge Nazreen Pearce

Fussell, 61, asked the judge from the dock to sentence him and not "passed around like a parcel" by the system until a bed is found.

The defendant has already spent three months in custody and his case has now been adjourned for psychiatric tests, while a bed is found before sentencing can go ahead.

The court heard that Fussell - codenamed Brian - had 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 incendiary 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'

At a hearing on 13 July, Judge Nazreen Pearce told him: "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 Epynt disease burial site 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.