BNP farmer faces weapons and explosives charges

David Lucas

A BRITISH National Party activist and Suffolk farmer has appeared in court this morning charged with a number of explosives and firearms offences.

David Lucas of South Road, Lakenheath stood before magistrates in Bury St Edmunds this morning facing seven counts relating to the possession of explosives and firearms.

The Lakenheath parish councillor appeared in the dock in a dark suit with a blue tie loosened at the neck and spoke only to confirm his name and address.

The clerk of the court read out to him the seven offences he is charged with, which relate to April this year.

They are; possessing an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose, possessing a prohibited firearm, possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life, possessing prohibited ammunition, possessing expanding ammunition derived from the military and possessing ammunition for a firearm without a certificate under two offences.

The charge of possession of explosives under suspicious circumstances can only be brought by police with the authorisation of the Attorney General and carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

The Chairman of the Bench, Lorraine Line, told Lucas: “The offences you are charged with can only be heard at a crown court.”

She said he will be given an opportunity to enter a plea to the charges at a hearing at Ipswich Crown Court on January 22.

As part of his bail arrangements he was told he must not leave the UK, or take steps to leave, and his passport must remain surrendered to the police.