Stockport man sentenced over explosive substance discovery

A man who admitted making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose has been given a suspended sentence.

David Prior, 51, told officers he had been making fireworks using chemical processes at his home in Reddish, Stockport.

While experts deemed the fireworks to be low explosive devices, they concluded the process used and the end product were hazardous.

He was given a 17-month sentence which was suspended for two years.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Prior's home was search on 1 June 2023.

A major incident was declared after police found various items and an Army explosive ordinance disposal officer and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Services were called in to conduct a search.

A variety of items were seized including 112 fireworks, plastic items that may have been made using a 3D printer, an imitation handgun and blank 12mm ammunition casings, the CPS said.

The investigation uncovered videos of Prior testing these devices in his garden.

In one video, Prior said he could make self-defence explosives if there was a civil war.

Police officers also found searches on his devices for pistols, explosives, landmines and grenades.

When speaking to officers, he explained he had created a number of videos for entertainment purposes which were posted on a closed social media group.

He said he demonstrated how he created the fireworks and how he achieved different effects, such as colours and stars.

Natalie Mackenzie, district crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said: "This was a serious incident which had a significant impact on the emergency services and the local community.

"The occupants of 63 addresses were required to leave their homes for their own safety."

He was handed 25 days of rehabilitation and a 10-year criminal behaviour order at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court.

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