Conspiracy theorist jailed for possession of chemicals

A FORMER British National Party candidate who amassed a stash of explosive chemicals in anticipation of a civil war was jailed yesterday for two-and-a-half years.

Robert Cottage, 49, was cleared after two trials of conspiracy to cause explosions, but earlier pleaded guilty to possession of the chemicals. Police discovered a huge stockpile of chemicals and food at his home in Lancashire last September.

Officers mounted the operation after Cottage’s wife told a social worker she was concerned about the substances and her husband’s belief that immigrants were swamping Britain.