Ex-soldier made ‘light bulb’ bomb

A FORMER soldier who served in Iraq has been given a suspended prison sentence after making a bomb.

Father-of-four Edward Smith (29) had been intrigued by a TV programme and scoured the Internet for instructions. He made a “light bulb” bomb by carefully drilling a hole in a bulb and filling it with pyrotechnic powder from fireworks.

The doctored bulb was found at his Royton address by his former partner’s father, after Smith moved out when the relationship ended.

The father was so concerned he contacted police who sent the bulb and a bottle of black powder for analysis.

Manchester Crown Court was told attempts were made to light the bomb. Nicoletta Amatino, prosecuting, said it appeared the bulb had been damaged during the drilling.

Smith, of Cheltenham Road, Oldham, accepted making the device. Mark Fireman, defending, said his client had hoped to create a noiseless firework for his children, one of whom had been afraid of loud bangs.

“This was a rather foolish enterprise on his part, though his only intention had been to create a colourful spectacle,” said Mr Fireman.

Smith, who pleaded guilty to a single charge of possession of an explosive substance, was given a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.