Three Lions pub: Bomb-making equipment found at home of Bedminster hoax caller who triggered major incident

‘Classic equipment’ for making a bomb was discovered at the home of a man who told police three explosive devices had been left at The Three Lions pub in Bedminster, Bristol Crown Court heard today.

Small pieces of copper piping were found at Michael Casey’s flat in the hours after the 39-year-old made the hoax call which triggered a ‘major incident’ in and around the West Street pub on October 8, the court was told.

Police quickly evacuated the pub and a 50-metre cordon was put up around it as specialist teams searched the area. Nothing at the pub was found, and the cordon was lifted late in the evening.

Casey, of West Street, had already pleaded guilty to communicating false information at Bristol Magistrates’ Court last month. Today (November 8), he refused to come into the court room for a sentencing hearing due to his poor mental health.

But more details of what happened on the day were revealed by Judge Horton, who said police recovered small pieces of copper piping when carrying out a search of his flat.

“Classic equipment for the type of bomb the defendant says was planted,” Judge Horton said. “He indicated he had planted three.”

The court was also told that Casey had been convicted for making explosives in April 2007, and had received a three-year custodial sentence.

Casey was due to be sentenced today. But the case was adjourned until January so that a psyciatric report could be done on the defendant, who the court heard was under a 24-hour watch in prison.

Mr John Stokes, defending Casey, said: “He is in a poor state of health in prison. He has been self harming.”

Mr Jack Barry, prosecuting, also said police were investigating another case allegedly involving Casey in prison. He said: “Materials appeared to have been conveyed into prison to make a bomb - fortunately it wasn’t successful. That is being pursued at the moment.”

Bristol World understands that the emergency services operation following the hoax call on October 8 cost more than £10,000. Casey has been remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing at the same court next year.