The jury in the trial of a Colchester man accused of making and sending a parcel bomb to his father and step-mother’s home has retired to consider its verdict.

Before Ipswich Crown Court is Wayne Jeffries, 54, of Glisson Square, Colchester, who has denied causing an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property on December 2016.

The jury retired to consider its verdict this afternoon (Tuesday) and will return to court tomorrow (Wednesday) to continue its deliberations.

It has been alleged that Jeffries made and sent the parcel bomb to the home of his father and step-mother because he had a “burning sense of grievance” towards them for alleged abuse he suffered as a child.

The court has heard that Mrs Jeffries’ hair and clothing were singed by the device which was packed with hundreds of metal tacks and exploded with such force that it damaged the house.

“It is clear from what was later uncovered by the police that this defendant had a burning sense of grievance against his parents,” said Chistopher Paxton, prosecuting.

After his arrest Jeffries, who didn’t give evidence during his trial, denied making or sending the the device.