Royal Marine accused of storing bomb components, weapons and ammunition in 12 huge caches linked to New IRA appears in court
Ciaran Maxwell is accused of buying chemicals and parts for bombs which were stored alongside a pistol and ammunition stored in Devon, and Larne
A SERVING Royal Marine accused of storing "military grade" bomb components, weapons and ammunition in 12 huge caches in England and Northern Ireland appeared in court today.
Ciaran Maxwell is accused of buying chemicals and parts for bombs which were stored alongside a pistol and ammunition stored in Devon, and Larne.
The 30-year-old is also charged with researching terrorism and bomb making techniques and creating a library of documents.
Maxwell, who is based in Taunton, Somerset, was also allegedly found with an adapted Police Service of Northern Ireland pass card and items of the force's uniform.
A weapons haul was found by members of the public who discovered blue barrels half buried in the ground at Carnfunnock Country Park, the Capanagh Forest in Northern Ireland and the Powderham New Plantation in Exeter.
The police also claim that when Maxwell was arrested in Exminster, Devon, on August 24 he was found with cannabis.
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At Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday the case was adjourned for police to investigate further.
He faces one count of assisting another to commit acts of terrorism between January 2011 and August 2016, one count of possessing cannabis with intent to supply and one of having images of bank cards in connection with fraud between November 2015 and August 2016.
Today Maxwell pleaded not guilty to possessing cannabis and having images of a fellow Marines's credit cards. The terror charge was not put to him.
He appeared wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit and spoke to confirm his name, date of birth, address and enter his not guilty pleas to two of the three charges in a Northern Irish accent.
Officers found ammonium nitrate, sodium bicarbonate and erythritol, which are used in the making of high explosives, at the country park, it is alleged.
On May 14 another member of the public found three barrels full of explosives and component parts in the Capanagh Forest, it is claimed.
One barrel allegedly contained a hand gun, ammunition and magazine rounds as well as five pipe bombs with a fuse attached plus flares and a pressure cooker.
Officers also allegedly seized several cannabis plants at Powderham New Plantation along with camouflaged tents and hydroponic lamps also recovered from the hides,
Maxwell is based at Norton Manor Camp, Taunton, Somerset.
Judge Riddle remanded Maxwell in custody for his next appearance at the Old Bailey on September 19.
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