Burnopfield man in court on terrorism charge

Jun 9 2009 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

Davison, a former milkman’s assistant, was released on the condition that he observes an overnight curfew, reports to his local police station and wears an electronic tag.

He was banned from contacting his father, using a mobile phone, the internet or a camera, or contacting members of a racist group known as the Aryan Strike Force.

Jason Smith, who represented Davison, said his client denies the offence and will plead not guilty.

Durham Police said the arrests followed a long-running intelligence-led operation against suspected right-wing activity.

Since the arrest, specialist officers carried out what they described as a “meticulous” search of Mr Davison Snr’s home, on Myrtle Grove, Burnopfield.

But yesterday the search was resumed as germ warfare experts in white toxic suites scoured the house for further evidence.

It has now been confirmed by Government scientists at Porton Down that a jam jar, found in the property last week did contain traces of ricin, a highly-toxic poison.

Det Supt Neil Malkin, who is leading the investigation, moved to quell public fears and said there was no risk posed to nearby homeowners.

He said: “This is purely a precaution, in case anything else should be found in the premises. We would stress again that there is no risk to anyone living in Myrtle Grove or to the general public health, and not even the next door neighbours are being advised to evacuate.

“I hope the people of Durham will be reassured that through these actions we are tackling this serious type of criminality.”