Man in stalking and chemicals case chooses not to give evidence in defence

A MAN accused of stalking and possessing explosive substances with intent to endanger life has chosen not to give evidence in his own defence.

After the prosecution closed its case against Ashkan Ebrahimi yesterday, Judge David Hatton QC asked him if he intended to give evidence, to which he replied: “No your honour.”

Ebrahimi, 30, from Halifax, who is representing himself, highlighted “inconsistencies” in evidence from police officers and witnesses during closing remarks to the jury. He suggested that millions of people had weapons in their homes and said he never used his own in any illegal way.

Ebrahimi is alleged to have stalked a female police officer, but he said he did not intend to intimidate her. He also said that he had purchased some of the chemicals found at his flat as “strong bleach” to clean his home.

The father-of-one said: “I wish I could give you everything I have, all my evidence, so you could see the whole picture. Not possible for me under the circumstances.”

The prosecution claims that Ebrahimi gathered chemicals at his flat in Oak Lane, Halifax, at a time when he was stalking police officers, a district judge and a female solicitor.

Weapons such as crossbows, swords and guns were also found at his flat.

Ebrahimi, who was arrested a month after he enrolled in a science course at Calderdale College, said he had no intention of using the chemicals illegally and that he was simply interested in chemistry. The trial continues.