Injured man admits to making explosives

May 10 2008 by Hilary Clixby, The Journal

A NORTHUMBERLAND man injured in an explosion at his remote rural home yesterday admitted a string of explosive and firearms offences.

Owen Dodds pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court to eight counts of making explosives and four offences of possessing explosives between January 2007 and January this year.

He also admitted a charge of manufacturing a prohibited weapon – a pistol – and possessing ammunition – two modified .22 inch cartridges – while prohibited. The explosives offences relate to a pyrotechnic fuse, nails, a modified pipe and modified clothes peg and chemicals including hydrogen peroxide, sulphuric acid and potassium nitrate.

Dodds, 29, was arrested after an explosion at his home at Ravenscleugh Farm, Elsdon near Otterburn, Northumberland. He had suffered serious injuries to his hands and was airlifted to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.

He was yesterday further remanded in custody by Judge David Hodson, who adjourned the case until June 9 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

He was warned he faces a minimum five-year jail term under firearms legislation.

The officer who led the investigation, Det Chief Inspector Mick Paterson, said after the hearing: “Police were called to the farm on January 2 where the defendant had been injured as a result of an explosion.

“He had received injuries to his hands. A search of the farm revealed several improvised explosive devices and manufactured explosives and he was arrested.”