Ex-BNP man 'was prepared for war'

Robert Cottage told the jury he just wanted to frighten off intruders

A former British National Party (BNP) candidate accused of stockpiling dangerous chemicals told a court he thought civil unrest would break out.

Giving evidence at his defence, Robert Cottage told Manchester Crown Court that he bought airguns and crossbows to protect his family from attack.

The 49-year-old from Colne, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to possession of explosives at the start of his trial.

However, he denies conspiracy to cause an explosion.

A second man, dentist David Jackson, 62, of Nelson, Lancashire, denies charges of possession of explosives and conspiracy to cause an explosion.

David Jackson denies charges under the Explosive Substances Act

Mr Cottage, who failed to be elected as a BNP candidate in three local elections, told the jury that the police would be unable to control the civil unrest when it broke out and that self-protection was a "God-given right".

He stockpiled food, petrol and chemicals to make gunpowder but told the court he only planned to manufacture a device which would make a loud bang and flashes to frighten off intruders but hurt nobody.

When officers searched his home on Talbot Street on 28 September 2006 they found a host of chemicals including ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, hydrochloric acid and ball bearings.

They also discovered a 300-page document stored on his computer called the Anarchist's Cook Book, which details how to make explosives.

The trial continues.