Ex-marine admitsletting off bombs

A 24-YEAR-OLD man yesterday pleaded guilty to setting off explosives in a Dundee tenement.

Allan Peach detonated an explosive device in a Cullen Place close, blowing open doors and smashing windows.

Tayside Police said it was a miracle no one was seriously hurt.

Appearing at Glasgow High Court, Peach also admitted throwing an explosive device into a garden on the same street.

Advocate depute Paul Kiernan said: “The accused was known to have purchased several quantities of the explosive substances potassium nitrate and aluminium and sulphur powders from an online retailer.”

The court heard that in the early evening of June 7, Peach arrived at a flat in Cullen Place wearing green overalls and in the company of another person.

Mr Kiernan said: “At about 9pm he went into the back bedroom of the flat which overlooks the garden, he lit an explosive device and then threw it into the garden area where it exploded.”

The court was told Peach then obtained a hair gel container from the man who lives in the flat, and filled it with powder.

He put a hole in the lid and placed a fuse wire into the powder.

Mr Kiernan said Peach then asked the man where he should detonate the device and the witness said he “did not want to know.”

The two left the flat and the accused walked in the direction of another close in Cullen Place.

Mr Kiernan said: “At about 9.45pm, one of the occupants heard the entry buzzer.

“When he answered it, the accused asked if he’d let him in.”

The court heard a man wearing a green boiler suit was later seen running from the scene just before an explosion in the close.

Mr Kiernan said: “A witness saw pieces of glass exploding outwards and greyish smoke coming from the block.”

Peach pleaded guilty to “culpably, wilfully and recklessly” causing explosions.

He admitted searching for information on how to manufacture explosives over a two-month period.

He pleaded guilty to having made or knowingly having in his possession or under his control an explosive substance on June 7 at Cullen Place.

He admitted throwing an explosive device from a window into a garden and detonating it.

He also pleaded guilty to detonating a device in a common close causing an explosion that damaged the property and exposed the occupants to risk of injury.

The court heard that Peach was a qualified electrician who joined the Royal Marines and underwent six months of basic training before being injured and discharged.

Judge Lady Stacey called for reports on Peach, who was remanded in custody and will be sentenced next month.

Detective Inspector Mike Pirie said: “The impact of Peach’s actions could have been horrendous and we are thankful his recklessness and stupidity did not result in any serious injury.

“As it was, people were left shocked that someone could set off what were effectively improvised bombs in their neighbourhoods.

“It was a miracle no one was seriously hurt.

“The crude device he set off in Cullen Place sent shockwaves through the tenement block, burst locked doors wide open and blew out windows.

“Peach clearly had no regard for others that night and it is of small consolation that he has acknowledged his actions today by pleading guilty.”