Major police operation launched after bomb scare report in Abergwynfi
A NEATH Port Talbot man has been jailed after police discovered a “significant collection” of weapons, including a ninja sword and knuckle duster, stored at his ex-partner’s property.
Maximin Carter, 51, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after pleading guilty to possessing a banned weapon and six counts of possessing offensive weapons.
The court heard Carter was initially arrested on suspicion of attempting to make an explosive following a police call to a property in Commercial Street, Abergwynfi, on February 14.
The incident escalated into a major operation, with residents evacuated and “military resources” deployed while specialist officers searched the address.
However, no explosives were found. Prosecutors said several plastic bottles filled with polystyrene were recovered instead.
Weapons discovered inside property
Police later uncovered an air rifle, a ninja sword, a knuckle duster and four telescopic truncheons inside the property, which belonged to Carter’s former partner.
The court heard Carter had been staying at the address without permission.
His ex-partner raised the alarm after becoming concerned about weapons being stored in the home and what she believed could have been improvised explosive devices. She also described fearing that “booby traps” may have been set due to the condition of the property.
The house was described in court as being in a “mess”, with officers examining images of the seized weapons, including an air rifle stored in a wooden box with a self-contained gas cartridge.
“Fascination with weapons”
Prosecutors said Carter demonstrated a clear interest in weapons and armoury.
Carter’s defence told the court he had “hit rock bottom” following a relationship breakdown and was now receiving appropriate medication.
Judge Huw Rees noted the presence of a substantial quantity of ammunition alongside the banned weapon, as well as a previous caution, as aggravating factors.
Sentence
Carter, who appeared via video link from Swansea prison, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in custody.
He will serve 40 per cent of his sentence in prison before being released on licence.
