Firetwerp is let off after Henry terror ‘bomb’ alert

COUNTER-TERRORISM police stormed a house following reports of a ‘bomb’ – and found a Henry vacuum cleaner packed with fireworks, a court heard.

Steve Beeton, 34, went to his former partner’s house after getting drunk and decided he wanted to experiment.

He started firing fireworks around the garden but then decided he wanted a ‘bigger bang’, a court heard.

Beeton packed the Henry with fireworks and a shotgun cartridge to make an explosion.

But he then ran off from the property in Swindon and left his home-made device in a plastic bag in a cupboard.

It was then found several days later by his ex-girlfriend, who dialled 999.

Police and the bomb squad were both scrambled and nearby streets were evacuated.

Swindon crown court heard yesterday that suspicion quickly fell on Beeton.

David Maunder, defending, said his client had begun creating the device in an effort to create a ‘bigger bang’. He had not been trying to create a pipe bomb, as had originally been alleged in the charge brought. He had also not intended to harm his former partner but admitted being reckless about whether life or property was endangered, the court heard. Acknowledging Beeton had been ‘foolish’, Mr Maunder said: ‘The worst damage he is likely to have done is probably to himself.’

The barrister said his client had cut down on his alcohol intake, was in a new relationship and had struggled to find work since the incident.

Beeton, of Swindon, admitted making an explosive substance. Handing him a ten-month jail sentence suspended for two years, Judge Peter Crabtree said: ‘This is a very unusual case. ‘The explosive device you were creating was intended to create a loud bang.

‘I accept, aside from yourself, the prospect of injury was not great. Moreover, you had not completed the device. ‘The level of overall culpability and harm is not significantly above the bottom end of the scale.’ He said the discovery of the explosives had frightened Beeton’s ex. The judge added: ‘When she found the items in the plastic bag she was genuinely terrified.’ Beeton must complete the ‘ building better relationships’ programme and has been given a five-year restraining order banning him from contacting his ex.