Chemicals used 'for false teeth'

Both men denied they were plotting an explosion

A former British National Party (BNP) candidate has claimed chemicals found at his home were for cleaning his false teeth and not for making bombs.

Robert Cottage, 49, and David Jackson, 62, both from Lancashire, have denied conspiracy to cause an explosion with chemicals ordered over the internet.

Mr Cottage told Manchester Crown Court he believed the substances could also be used to protect him from bird flu.

He also said he feared immigrants would bring Britain to the edge of civil war.

Molotov cocktail

When his home in Colne was searched by police last September, 21 different chemicals including nitrates, chlorine, ammonia and acids were found.

The court heard that officers also discovered a stash of crossbows, air pistols, BB guns and ammunition, along with excessive amounts of rice, sugar and petrol.

When questioned, Mr Cottage told police it was a coincidence that he had bought a batch of chemicals just days after printing off recipes for explosive devices from the internet.

He told the court on Friday that he could not explain why detailed instructions for making a Molotov cocktail, a pipe hand grenade and dynamite were in his possession.

'Frightened' by immigration

He said he used an email address involving the phrase "brotherofenoch" because his views on immigration were close to those of Enoch Powell's.

He also said he was frightened by immigration but he was not a racist.

Mr Cottage and David Jackson, 62, a dentist from Nelson, met at BNP meetings. Mr Cottage has failed to win three local elections as a BNP candidate.

The pair are also charged with possession of explosives for an unlawful purpose.

Mr Jackson denies this charge, but Mr Cottage admitted it during their first trial in February at which, the current jury heard, the previous jury had failed to reach a verdict.

The trial continues.