Man had small 'bomb' at his home

Police searched the flat after finding the fireworks

A man was discovered to have a home-made 'bomb' at his flat at Rhos-on-Sea, Conwy by police, a court has heard.

Mold Crown Court heard bomb disposal experts were called to the property following the discovery in March.

Among the items found at Fred Howard's flat were three fireworks bound together by tape and items capable of creating a remote controlled bomb.

The 41-year-old denies two charges of making an improvised explosive device. The trial continues.

Prosecuting barrister John Philpotts told the jury: "Let me make it clear to you, the prosecution does not suggest that Mr Howard is, or was, or is ever going to be a terrorist or anything of that nature.

"Bombs of course have certain connotations in the days in which we live. We do not suggest that he had them for terrorist intentions at all."

The court heard that police were called to Mr Howard's property following a complaint about criminal damage, which did not form part of the case.

Officers became concerned at what they found in the flat and called bomb disposal experts.

He was arrested and in police interview admitted modifying fuse lengths of some fireworks. He said it was a coincidence that some of the items were stored together and that he had put some in metal containers, not to create shrapnel, but to prevent accidental detonation.

He told police how he had stepped up security at his home, as a precaution, because a "heinous allegation" was circulating about him.

Peter Moss, defending, said the items could all be purchased lawfully off the internet.

He added that some of the items were in metal containers, not to make them more powerful, but to prevent accidental firing by frequency from a mobile phone or domestic remote control.