Ex-BNP candidate on trial

| Monday, 12 February 2007 Source: Sky News

A former British National Party election candidate and a dentist face trial today accused of conspiring to cause an explosion.

Robert Cottage, 49, of Colne, Lancashire, and David Jackson, 62, of Nelson, Lancashire, were charged after chemical components were allegedly found at Cottage's house last September.

Both men deny conspiracy to cause an explosion with intent to harm life or property and possession of an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose.

Cottage stood for the BNP in last May's local elections in Colne.

The trial at Manchester Crown Court is expected to last up to 10 days.