A serving British Army soldier has admitted to possessing firearms and explosives, including an improvised homemade cannon, but denies any connection to terrorism, a court heard. Mark Broadhurst, an army chef, was arrested at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire in September 2024. Subsequent searches at his home in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, uncovered a variety of weapons and explosive materials, according to evidence presented at Sheffield Crown Court.

Photographs shown to the court depicted Broadhurst’s cluttered bedroom, where counter-terrorism officers found an assortment of items including knives, crossbows, black powder, 9mm ammunition, air pistols, rifles, and the improvised weapon described as a piece of wood with a pipe attached using gaffer tape. Broadhurst had previously admitted possession of a firearm without a licence in connection with this device, which prosecutors characterized as an “improvised homemade cannon.”

On the first day of his trial, Broadhurst further admitted to possession of explosives, encompassing the improvised cannon. However, the prosecution disputes his claim that these items were not linked to terrorism. Matthew Donkin KC, representing the Crown, told Mr Justice Hilliard that Broadhurst has entered a basis of plea that is rejected by the prosecution. Donkin argued that the evidence, including the defendant’s online behavior and communications, indicates a terrorism motivation underpinning the possession of these weapons and explosives.

Although Broadhurst has not been formally charged with terrorism offences, the prosecution maintains that confirming a terrorism connection is relevant and could influence sentencing outcomes. The trial proceedings are ongoing.