Bomb accused had laboratory plans

Mel Broughton denies conspiracy to commit arson

A man accused of fire-bombing Oxford University has admitted hiding plans for part of an animal research laboratory at his home.

Mel Broughton, 48, of Semilong Road in Northampton, denies targeting Queen's College in protest at its plans to build the laboratory.

He told Oxford Crown Court he also had notes of people, companies and vehicles with links to the laboratory.

Mr Brougton said he had hidden them because he felt a sense of paranoia.

He said he was a high profile campaigner and feared police would assume he was targeting those on the lists if they were found.

Under cross-examination, Mr Broughton also admitted hiding a battery connector and sparklers at his house.

He said he had done this because he thought they could have been misinterpreted if found by the police.

The prosecution also questioned Mr Broughton about why he had hidden plans for a waste disposal unit at the laboratory.

However, the defendant said he had this information to help him build a picture of the number of primates the university planned to house there.

The sports pavilion at Queen's College was petrol-bombed in November 2006.

Mr Broughton also denies an alternative charge of possessing articles with intent to destroy property and keeping an explosive substance with intent.

The case continues.