Jury retires in bomb plot trial

Both men denied they were plotting an explosion

The jury in the trial of two men accused of plotting to cause explosions has retired to consider its verdict.

Robert Cottage and David Jackson, both from Lancashire, have denied conspiracy to cause an explosion during the trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Mr Cottage, a 49-year-old ex-British National Party (BNP) candidate from Colne, has admitted possessing explosive substances.

Mr Jackson, a 62-year-old dentist from Nelson, denies the charge.

During the evidence, the court heard how police found boxes containing chemicals including ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, hydrochloric acid when they searched Mr Cottage's home in Colne in September 2006.

Mr Jackson had told police that Mr Cottage had bought the chemicals to teach his son chemistry.

However, the court heard that Mr Cottage had told police they were for Mr Jackson to teach him how to make fireworks.