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A man who lit petrol bombs near homes and cars on a large housing estate tried to claim it was “an accident”, a court heard.

Michael Stephens, 28, received an extended sentence at Cardiff Crown Court for making or possessing an explosive substance following the incident in Bridgend last year.

Sentencing judge Stephen Hopkins QC said the defendant’s actions could have been “potentially deadly”.

The court heard the incident occurred on Heol-Y-Frenhines in Bridgend on November 26, 2016.

Prosecutor John Warren said the fire service and police were called to reports of petrol bombs being ignited in the road near houses and parked cars on the estate.

Eye witnesses gave a description of the defendant, who was subsequently arrested near Bridgend railway station.

Stephens first appeared in court on January 5, when his case was adjourned for a psychiatric report.

'Psychotic symptoms'

He was found to show “psychotic symptoms”, but judged fit to plead and initially charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

The defendant pleaded guilty on March 14 to making or possessing an explosive substance and entered a basis of plea.

Stephens stated he heard voices in his head, telling him his estranged family was in danger.

(Image: South Wales Police)

Giving evidence at a Newton hearing, he said he left his accommodation in Mumbles around 2pm and travelled to Morriston by bus to buy beer.

The defendant stated he then travelled to Texaco in Bridgend and bought a petrol can, which he filled with fuel, as well as purchasing eight bottles of beer.

He said he drank some of the beer and filled the empty bottles with petrol, before placing them in a white carrier bag.

Stephens claimed he set fire to the bag accidentally while trying to light a cigarette and dropped it when it caught fire.

Judge Hopkins told the defendant: “It was, you told me, an accident. I find your account incredible.”

The judge said he rejected Stephens’ version of events as “utter nonsense”, but found the eye witness evidence to be “honest, accurate and reliable”.

'A very serious charge'

Prosecutors said Stephens, who does not have a fixed address, had 13 previous convictions for 25 offences, including burglary, criminal damage and supplying drugs.

Rhodri Chudleigh, defending, accepted his client had a “lengthy record”, but stressed he had never before been convicted of a serious offence of violence.

He said: “This is, of course, a very troubling case. It is a very serious charge.”

The defence barrister said his client had a “long history” of substance misuse, after he began taking drugs aged 14.

Mr Chudleigh said Stephens had been “profoundly affected” by the death of his mother and had also lost his stable accommodation.

He said the defendant went “off the rails” and stopped taking medication for his mental health problems.

The barrister emphasised that the petrol bombs were not thrown and no injury or damage was caused.

He added: “It could have had devastating consequences, but thankfully no injury was caused.”

Mr Chudleigh accepted his client did pose a significant risk or serious harm when intoxicated, but argued that risk was lower when he was receiving appropriate treatment.

Judge Hopkins told the defendant: “I consider you to be potentially dangerous.”

Stephens received an extended sentence of eight years and four months – made up of five years and four months in custody, plus an extended licence period of three years.

He must serve at least two thirds of the prison term, then his case will be referred to the parole board.