A 30-year-old who was allegedly found with several explosive devices in his car has been sent for trial at Truro Crown Court.

Samuel Phillip Rhodes, appeared at Truro Magistrates Court last week facing three charges of possessing or having in his control an explosive with intent to endanger life / injure property.

Rhodes is currently on remand in Exeter Prison and appeared via a live video link.

The charges all relate to the same date December 14, 2021 at St Austell.

The first charge relates to the contents of a tobacco tin found with an obscene finger gesture on the lid. It reads that on December 14, 2021 at St Austell he unlawfully and maliciously had in his possession or under his control an explosive substance, namely an improvised explosive device, with intent by means thereof to endanger life or cause serious injury to property or to enable another so to do. Contrary to section 3(1)(b) of the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

The second same charge relates to the contents of an off white tin and reads that on the same date Rhodes at St Austell, unlawfully and maliciously had in his possession or under his control an explosive substance, namely an improvised explosive device, with intent by means thereof to endanger life or cause serious injury to property or to enable another so to do. 

The third charge relates to the contents of a metal tobacco tin and reads that on December 14, 2021 at St Austell he unlawfully and maliciously had in his possession or under his control an explosive substance, namely an improvised explosive device, with intent by means thereof to endanger life or cause serious injury to property or to enable another so to do. Contrary to section 3(1)(b) of the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

Rhodes did not enter any plea for any of the charges.

The offences are indictable only and the case was sent straight for trial to Truro Crown Court on June 14. Rhodes was remanded in custody after bail was refused.