Terror suspect ‘was caught with explosives’
A terror suspect denied explosives charges after a police raid led to the evacuation of 50 homes in a street.
Residents in King Alfred Street, Derby, were told to leave after suspicious items were found on December 5 last year.
Shaven-headed Simon Pilgrim, 40, appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink from HMP Wandsworth wearing a grey tracksuit.
Pilgrim, of King Alfred Street, denied three charges relating to the control and possession of explosives and three of possessing a document containing information useful to terrorism.
According to the charges one substance contained potassium nitrate, sulphur and charcoal, while another was described as ‘rocket candy’ containing potassium nitrate and sugar.
A third charge related to a pyrotechnic fuse.
It is claimed Pilgrim was also in possession of an electronic copy of ‘The Anarchist Cookbook’ a controversial book from the 1970s detailing how to manufacture explosives and illicit drugs from your home.
Two other books owned by Pilgrim include a hard copy of ‘FM 5-31 Boobie Traps’ and ‘100 Deadly Skills: Combat Edition’.
The books alleegedly contain information useful to terrorists.
Judge Anthony Leonard, QC, said: ‘I estimate this trial to be no longer than 5 days.’
He remanded Pilgrim in custody ahead of his trial at the Old Bailey on 5 December this year.
