Man in court over tunnel WWI bomb

The Channel Tunnel was closed to all services for three hours

A man accused of trying to take a World War I mortar bomb into the Channel Tunnel has appeared in court.

Stephen Hart, 54, of Frant Court, Tunbridge Wells, is accused of possessing the mortar at the tunnel terminal at Folkestone on 28 January.

Mr Hart faces a charge of possessing explosives without authority.

Appearing at Folkestone Magistrates Court, he did not enter a plea and the case was adjourned until 7 April when he is due at Maidstone Crown Court.

Controlled explosion

Following the hearing on Thursday Mr Hart was released on unconditional bail.

He was arrested after a security check on his car at the tunnel terminal.

The incident led to a three-hour closure of the tunnel, as well as roads leading to the terminal from the M20.

The device was destroyed in a controlled explosion by army bomb disposal experts.