The trial of a Colchester man accused of causing an explosion will take place in September.
Before Ipswich Crown Court today for a plea and trial preparation hearing was Wayne Jeffries, 54, of Glisson Square, Colchester.
He pleaded not guilty to causing an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property on December 21 2016.
Jeffries was charged after a package exploded after it was delivered to an address in Othello Close, in east Colchester.
Police, paramedics and firefighters were all called to the scene as well as members of the Royal Logistic Corps’ Bomb Disposal Unit.
The emergency services discovered a small fire outside the property and this was quickly extinguished by the fire crews attending the incident.
The package was found to contain a number of 300ml lighter gas canisters and some wiring which exploded when the item was opened.
Jeffries’ trial, which is expected to last three to four weeks, is scheduled to get underway on September 3.
Jeffries was granted conditional bail.
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