THE case of a 21-year-old man accused of possessing an explosive substance near Tenbury Wells has been adjourned again.

Kristopher Bloomfield, of Bockleton appeared to Worcester Magistrates Court on videolink last Thursday, (August 31), for the latest hearing of his case a week after his previous hearing.

Bloomfield faces four charges - possession of a firearm without a certificate, possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate, possession of an explosive substance for unlawful purposes and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place. 

The offences are said by the prosecution to have taken place in Bockleton between August 14 and 15 this year. 

At the latest hearing Mark Hambling, prosecuting, provided an update to court. 

He said the charge of possession of a firearm on August 14 was being withdrawn. 

Mr Hambling told the court the charge of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place (his home) was being split into two, to "tidy up" the charge.

Bloomfield is now accused of two possessions of an offensive weapon in a private place - the alleged weapons being butterfly knives and a credit card knife. 

The charge of possession of ammunition for a firearm and possession of an explosive substance for unlawful purposes remain. 

The particulars of the ammunition charge mention the alleged possession of assault rifle ammunition, while the explosive substance charge lists "smoke grenade, training grenade, simulation battle sound units, SFRD and fusion flash grenade". 

The case has been delayed as the explosive substance charge needs the Attorney General's approval to prosecute. 

During the latest hearing magistrates heard that had still not been resolved. 

Mazar Iqbal, defending, said it was a situation they did not want to be in and accused the prosecution of using a delaying tactic. 

But Mr Hambling said, although sympathetic to the defence, it was not a delaying tactic and stressed the Attoney General knew of the matter.

He said the urgency expressed in court would be stressed to those involved in sorting the matter. 

Judith Hulland, chairperson of the magistrates, told Bloomfield - who had a public gallery full of supporters - that his case would be adjourned another week. 

Bloomfield was told the next hearing will be at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon (September 7). 

He was remanded in custody.