Soldier denies terror link as he admits explosives and firearms charges

A SERVING soldier has admitted possessing firearms and explosives including an “improvised homemade cannon” but denies they were connected to terrorism, a judge has been told.

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British Army chef Mark Broadhurst, 28, was arrested at Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, in September 2024 and then a range of weaponry and explosive substances were found at his home in Chesterfield, Sheffield Crown Court heard.

A judge was shown photographs of his cluttered bedroom where counter-terrorism police found a range of knives and crossbows, black powder, 9mm ammunition, air pistols and rifles, and an improvised weapon which looks like a piece of wood with a pipe attached with gaffer tape.

Broadhurst admitted possession of a firearm without a licence earlier this year, relating to this weapon, which was referred to as an “improvised homemade cannon”.

On Monday, he also admitted possession of explosives, including the “cannon”, on what was due to be the first day of his trial.

Prosecutor Matthew Donkin KC told the judge, Mr Justice Hilliard, that Broadhurst has entered a basis of plea which is not accepted by the prosecution, who insist he possessed the items for terrorism-related reasons.