Soldier with 'homemade cannon' denies terror motive

A soldier has admitted possessing firearms and explosives but denied they were connected to terrorism, a judge has been told.

Mark Broadhurst, 28, was arrested at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, in September 2024 and a range of weaponry and explosive substances was found at his home in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Sheffield Crown Court heard.

Earlier this year Broadhurst admitted possession of a firearm without a licence and on Monday he also admitted possession of explosives, including an "improvised homemade cannon", on what was due to be the first day of his trial.

A trial-of-issue, to examine the question of his motivation, is now being held and is likely to last into next week.

Prosecutor Matthew Donkin KC told the judge, Mr Justice Hilliard, that British Army chef Broadhurst had entered a basis of plea which was not accepted by the prosecution, who insist he possessed the items for terrorism-related reasons.

The judge decided the issue of whether the offending had a terrorism connection needed to be resolved before he could sentence the defendant, and he therefore began a trial-of-issue – known as a Newton hearing.

Donkin said part of this will include calling an expert on right-wing extremist behaviour to give evidence and also details of Broadhurst's online activities.

The judge has been shown photographs of Broadhurst's cluttered bedroom where counter-terrorism police found a range of knives and crossbows, black powder, 9mm ammunition, air pistols and rifles, and an improvised weapon which looks like a piece of wood with a pipe attached with gaffer tape.

Donkin told the judge: "The prosecution assert that his online activity and communciations demonstrate a terrorism connection.

"And, that's what's behind the possession of these explosives."

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