Jury out over 'white supremacist'

Neil Lewington denies a total of eight charges

The jury in the case of a man accused of being a white supremacist "on the cusp" of launching a terror campaign, has retired to consider its verdict.

Neil Lewington, 43, denies eight terrorism charges linked to claims he was developing a bomb-making factory in his bedroom in Tilehurst, Reading.

His defence has told the court he is a "fantasist" and there was not enough evidence to prove the case against him.

Mr Lewington was arrested at Lowestoft railway station in October last year.

He denies charges including preparing for terrorism, having articles and documents for terrorism, and possessing explosives to endanger life.

David Etherington QC, defending, has described his client as "an oddball".

'Immature alcoholic'

He asked the jury: "Is he the real deal? Is he a terrorist or is he just a big pest, a nuisance?"

Mr Etherington suggested Mr Lewington was a "silly, immature, alcoholic dysfunctional twit, fantasising to make up for a rather sad life".

When arrested, Mr Lewington was allegedly carrying the components for two home-made bombs at the time.

A later search of his home in Tilehurst turned up a notebook entitled "Waffen SS UK members' handbook" and what prosecutors called a "production line" for bombs.