UK survivalist aquitted of explosives charges and possession of dangerous books
After allegedly being arrested for possession of illegal weapons, a large quantity of explosive materials and equipment used in the manufacture of IEDs in December 2022, Mr Simon Pilgrim was subsequently acquitted of all charges.
After being arrested for the alleged possession of illegal weapons, a large quantity of explosive materials and equipment used in the manufacture of IEDs in December 2022, Mr Simon Pilgrim was subsequently acquitted of all charges.
In addition to his apparent fascination with explosives (he was planning on starting a pyrotechnic company??), weapons, self-defence and survival skills, Mr Pilgrim was also allegedly discovered with "cut pipes and end caps, resin kits and moulds for making knife blades and knuckle dusters, a bag containing black clothes, a lock-pick kit and elbow and knee pads, IED casing, body armour and a notebook of explosives recipes."
He was further charged with possession of the books 100 Deadly Skills (available on Amazon), FM 5-31 Boobytrap (freely available open source document courtesy of the US military) and the infamous The Anarchist Cookbook.
He is also alleged to have told police officers that he had "bought a stab vest for paintballing and had taken an archery course to do more training."
If anyone can shed light on the reasons why Mr Pilgrim was acquitted of all charges, I think it would make for some very interesting reading.
George Torr & PA news agency BBC News
Will Jefford & PA news agency BBC News
