Pipe-bomb not terrorist device, lawyer argues

A potentially lethal pipe-bomb found in a Northland man's car was not a terrorist device but the "remnants of a Halloween or Guy Fawkes venture", according to the man's lawyer.

The discovery of the bomb during a routine police check near Waitangi sparked a major alert last Wednesday, forcing police to cordon off the road for more than six hours while the army bomb disposal squad raced to the scene from Auckland.

Brian John Cooke, 36, from Wellsford, pleaded guilty in the Waitakere District Court yesterday to possession of an explosive in a public place, possession of an offensive weapon (an axe), and possession of pure methamphetamine and utensils (a glass pipe).

When police opened the car boot, they recognised a detonator -- a red cord sticking out of a plastic bag -- and called in the bomb squad.

When Cooke was asked for an explanation, he said it was a bomb and "only needed an electrical charge to set it off", giving no further details.

However, Cooke's lawyer Christopher Harder told the court the bomb had a less sinister explanation.

"He accepts he shouldn't have been in possession of it," Mr Harder said.

Cooke was on bail at the time of his arrest for a prior charge of possession to supply methamphetamine.

Judge Lisa Tremewan said she wanted to see a pre- sentencing report and an alcohol and drug assessment before Cooke's sentencing date on January 19.

The self-employed farrier finds out tomorrow whether he will be released on bail.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)