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Ex BNP man 'feared UK civil war' Ex BNP man 'feared UK civil war'
(about 1 hour later)
A former British National Party (BNP) candidate admitted possessing explosive chemicals in anticipation of a civil war in Britain, a court heard.A former British National Party (BNP) candidate admitted possessing explosive chemicals in anticipation of a civil war in Britain, a court heard.
Robert Cottage, 49, from Lancashire, pleaded guilty to possession of explosives at the start of his trial at Manchester Crown Court.Robert Cottage, 49, from Lancashire, pleaded guilty to possession of explosives at the start of his trial at Manchester Crown Court.
The 49-year-old, from Colne, denies conspiracy to cause an explosion.The 49-year-old, from Colne, denies conspiracy to cause an explosion.
A second man, David Jackson, 62, of Nelson, Lancashire, denies both charges under the Explosive Substances Act.A second man, David Jackson, 62, of Nelson, Lancashire, denies both charges under the Explosive Substances Act.
Alistair Webster QC, defending, said Mr Cottage, of Talbot Street, was a former BNP candidate and had been the subject of threats.Alistair Webster QC, defending, said Mr Cottage, of Talbot Street, was a former BNP candidate and had been the subject of threats.
He explained that his client believed the "political and financial condition of the country" would lead to civil war within the coming years.He explained that his client believed the "political and financial condition of the country" would lead to civil war within the coming years.
Mr Cottage accepted the possession charge on the basis that the explosives were designed to deter attacks on his property, Mr Webster said. David Jackson denies charges under the Explosive Substances ActMr Cottage accepted the possession charge on the basis that the explosives were designed to deter attacks on his property, Mr Webster said.
Louise Blackwell QC, prosecuting, said the case had come to light after Mr Cottage's wife became increasingly concerned about his behaviour.
Kerena Cottage suffered mental health problems and told her social worker that her husband had several crossbows and chemicals stored in his home.
She also revealed that he wanted to shoot Prime Minister Tony Blair and local Liberal Democrat peer Lord Greaves, Miss Blackwell told the court.
When police raided his house they discovered 21 types of chemicals which, when combined, could form explosives.
Miss Blackwell said they also uncovered a document called the Anarchy Cookbook, which detailed how to make different types of bombs.
In her statement to police, Mrs Cottage said her husband held "strong views on immigration" and his membership of the BNP had driven "a wedge" between them.
The trial continues.The trial continues.