Jury clears man of 'bomb-making'

The jury at Mold Crown Court has cleared Fred Howard.

A Conwy man who loved experimenting with fireworks has been cleared of making explosives at his home.

Fred Howard, 41, from Maes Glan in Rhos-on-Sea, was found not guilty at Mold Crown Court of two charges of making an improvised explosive device.

The judge, Mr Recorder Phillip Heywood, said that Mr Howard could now be discharged.

Mr Howard had been on remand and will continue to stay at the Ty Llewellyn psychiatric unit at Llanfairfechan.

During his trial, the court heard that police called army disposal experts to his home, where they found items, including thunder cracker fireworks and military-style thunderflash devices.

An infra-red transmitter was also discovered, which the prosecution had claimed was capable triggering a remote controlled bomb.

But while Mr Howard did have a Btech qualification in electronics, his defence team said he simply did not know how to build such a device.

Mr Howard also said the infra-red device was used to operate his satellite television.

The jury had been told that Mr Howard had been fascinated by fireworks since he was a teenager, and "enjoyed the bangs" they made.

After the jury returned their verdicts, the judge, Mr Recorder Phillip Heywood, said that he could now be discharged because that was the end of it.

The court was told that Mr Howard would now return there to the Ty Llewellyn psychiatric unit.

The judge said to Mr Howard: "No doubt the worry of this matter will disappear.

"I hope your recovery goes well and before long you will be back at home, released into the community.

"I hope you continue to receive care at Ty Llewellyn and I am sure it will be to your long term benefit."