Cops raid Newcastle home over ‘chemical bomb threat’ – but find him making home-made fireworks

A MAN held in custody for six months after police discovered improvised explosive devices in his flat has been released after they were found to be homemade fireworks for Bonfire Night.

Mark Gilhespy, 50, was arrested in March after police raided his home following a tip off that he had ordered a number of chemicals from eBay.

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Concerns grew when officers found 12 explosive devices wrapped in electrical tape stored in the loft of his flat in West Denton, Newcastle.

However it turned out that the flash powder devices were in fact homemade explosives created for Gilhespy's sister's firework party the year before, but they were stored away after a disappointing test run.

The extra chemicals that had been purchased were actually being used for "simple experiments" from an A-Level chemistry book because the accused was interested in science, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Jolyon Perks told the court: "Chemicals were also present, as were other items, including chemistry items.

"The chemicals have an application in both the chemical making of explosives but that’s qualified by the fact they had other innocuous uses, which are consistent with the explanation he gave that he had an interest in chemistry.

"There were text books to A-level standard and he said he had been using those books to do simple chemistry experiments.

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"While there were, initially, concerns about the seriousness of this offence, what is the case is he is someone who has an interest in chemistry and someone who has made improvised explosive devices which have the appearance and similar effect as bangers, fireworks.

"They are still dangerous. By the very fact they are explosive they pose a risk to people and property if they were discharged in the vicinity of an unwitting individual.

"They had been wrapped in electric tape and he said he wrapped them to make them louder when they were discharged."

Gilhespy, admitted two charges of making and having explosive substances, was then handed a community order for 18 months with a rehabilitation activity requirement.

Judge Paul Sloan QC said: "I stress there is no suggestion you intended to pursue any unlawful object and there is no suggestion you intended to injure or endanger anyone.

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"This is very different from the kind of case in which the possession of this kind of material is associated with an interest in underworld or fundamentalist activity.

"Your interest was in manufacturing fireworks.

"It’s clear you did not appreciate the dangerous of what you were doing at the time you made these devices but you now do and have demonstrated remorse.

"You have had significant mental health problems over the years and were diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia some years ago and you have been engaging with the mental health services.

"The potential for harm was not insignificant and ordinarily this offending would attract a custodial sentence.

"However you were remanded in custody for nearly six months before your release on bail so you have already served the equivalent of a 12 month sentence of imprisonment.

"Accordingly I take the view that the time has come to adopt a more constructive approach."

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