Nazi pleads guilty posted by bat020

Ex BNP man 'feared UK civil war'

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. 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.

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.

Mr Cottage accepted the possession charge on the basis that the explosives were designed to deter attacks on his property, Mr Webster said. The trial continues.