Chemist ‘sold men potentially dangerous substances’

CHEMICALS SUPPLIED by a Bridlington chemist were sold to two men who were later prosecuted for terror offences.

Substances sold by Gert Meyers, 55, were found during the course of a police investigation into “extremely serious matters”, a court heard.

Meyers, whose “irresponsible” actions led to 40 homes being evacuated, appeared at Beverley Magistrates’ Court charged under the Poisons Act for possession of four different chemicals.

District Judge Fred Rutherford said Meyers was approached by police investigating “two extremely serious matters – involving a bombing and murder – where substances sold by him were used in the course of those particular acts”.

However, he was subsequently cleared on both matters. The Judge added: “It leads up to what happens in respect of the matter that he faces now.”

Last August 4 Meyers was arrested in an operation that saw Oxford Street and part of Cambridge Street cordoned off for two days. He admitted possessing nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, potassium perchlorate and potassium chlorate – all of which require Home Office approval.

The Judge said his decision to ignore police warnings about the need for a licence was an aggravating feature. He will be sentenced on April 27.

Det Chief Supt Matt Hutchinson said Meyers legally sold substances to two people who were later prosecuted for terrorism offences. He said Meyers “should have been more responsible for who he was supplying these potentially dangerous substances.”

He added: “When the legislation changed he then failed to heed the warnings about the consequences of possessing these substances and is now facing the consequences of his actions.”