A MAN has appeared at court accused of making threats to kill whilst possessing weapons and explosives.

Simon Flint, 42, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court this afternoon charged with eight offences following a police operation in Bishop Auckland on Friday, June 28.

Mr Flint, who gave his address as Meadowfield Drive, Eaglescliffe but is understood to have lived in a camper van for a number of years, was charged with making threats to kill, possession of an explosive substance, two charges of possession of offensive weapons, possession of a weapon for the discharge of pepper spray, two charges of possession of a bladed article in public and a public order offence.

Among the items listed in the charges were three crossbows, a friction locking baton, lock knives and swords including one measuring 2ft long.

The precision engineer is also accused of possession of an explosive black powder, a weapon designed to discharge a noxious gas or liquid- namely pepper spray, and of using abusive, threatening or insulting words or behaviour to cause alarm.

The Crown Prosecution Service asked for the case to be adjourned at an earlier hearing so it could obtain consent from the Attorney General to proceed with the explosives charge.

The Attorney General has now given consent and Mr Flint will face all charges at Durham Crown Court on Thursday, August 8.