Man sentenced for possessing an explosive substance in High Wycombe

A man has been sentenced for possessing an explosive substance in High Wycombe.

At Aylesbury Crown Court yesterday (22/11), Jack Coleman, aged 19, of Amersham Hill, High Wycombe, was sentenced to a hospital order.

The court also made a forfeiture and destruction order for bomb making equipment and a number of books about explosives and munitions.

At a previous hearing, Coleman pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an explosive substance for unlawful purpose.

Thames Valley Police gained information that Coleman may have explosive substances in a property in Amersham Hill.

Acting on this information, on 14 March this year, the force attended the address along with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), who made the scene safe.

As a precaution, Amersham Hill outside the railway station had to be temporarily closed, and trains were stopped for about half an hour.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable William Blundell, based at High Wycombe police station, said: “I’m satisfied that Jack Coleman pleaded guilty to the offence of possessing an explosive substance for unlawful purpose and he has been sentenced accordingly, so he can get the support that he needs.

“Thames Valley Police acted on information from the public that Coleman may have explosive substances in a property in Amersham Hill, from which we took swift action.

“This case demonstrates how the public can support the police by being our additional eyes and ears in the community and shows that Thames Valley Police will take appropriate action.

“You can report any concerns or suspicions you have to the force via our website, by visiting a police station, calling 101, or in an emergency 999.

“This incident caused significant disruption as emergency services and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit worked to safely avert the danger to the public and the surrounding area.

“While we were responding to the incident, members of the public had to be evacuated from their residences, and numerous others were affected by the temporary closure of High Wycombe train station and Amersham Hill.

“The subsequent investigation found that the explosives had the potential to cause injury and damage to property. I am grateful to those that helped to prevent this by alerting the police, and to the public for their co-operation and patience with this matter.”