Man pleads guilty to possession of an explosive substance – High Wycombe

Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, a man has pleaded guilty to possession of an explosive substance in High Wycombe.

At Aylesbury Crown Court today (8/9), Jack Coleman, aged 19, of Amersham Hill, High Wycombe, 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, High Wycombe.

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: “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.

“Whilst this was ongoing, several 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 device had the potential to cause injury to Mr Coleman and others, 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.”

Coleman will be sentenced on October 23 at the same court.

JW