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Fishponds bomb hoaxer jailed
A 42-year-old man, who staged a bomb hoax resulting in hundreds of homes being evacuated in Fishponds, has been jailed for 20 months.
Stewart Jackson, of Hill Close, Emersons Green, doused a BMW parked in Cassell Road with petrol and called police from a phone box claiming the car had an explosive device attached to it.
He was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court after admitting charges of causing a bomb hoax and criminal damage.
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He also admitted charges of harassment, two counts of possessing a bladed article with intent and one public order offence.
Police have released CCTV footage of Jackson buying the petrol and the 999 call he made using a fake French accent.
The hoax stemmed from an ongoing dispute between Jackson and the car owner’s son.
Jackson bought a petrol can and fuel at the Shell garage in Muller Road, Eastville. He then asked a taxi driver to take him to Staple Hill and was dropped off a short distance from Cassell Road.
At about 3.51am, a man speaking in a French accent made a 999 call to police from a phonebox in City Road. The caller said a car had been doused in petrol and had an explosive device attached to it.
The call prompted a police response and the local area was evacuated, with residents being moved to a nearby pub and school.
Ongoing dispute
Supt Richard Cadden said: “Jackson staged this bomb hoax as part of an ongoing dispute with another man.
“He hoped his actions would cause fear and disruption to the victim and his family.
“Because of the nature of the phonecall and the fact officers found a car covered in petrol, the area was cordoned off causing disruption, anxiety and misery to hundreds of residents who were evacuated from their homes.
Controlled explosion
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit were called and carried out controlled explosions on the car but no traces of explosives were found.
Jackson was arrested later the same day but denied he was involved in the bomb hoax.
During a search of Cassell Road, officers found a black pouring hose lying on top of bushes, which was forensically tested and was found to have Jackson’s DNA on.
Supt Cadden said: “Jackson admitted the offences due to the overwhelming evidence against him and I’m pleased he has been brought to justice.
“This incident caused untold misery to hundreds of residents who had their day ruined by his reckless actions.
“I would like to reiterate our thanks to the local community for all their support, patience and assistance on the day.”
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