Plugs of explosives 'found at superette’

Press, 16 June 1982, Page 10

Plugs of explosives 'found at superette’

PA Auckland A senior explosives inspector has told the District Court at Otahuhu that explosives he found in an Otara superette would have caused considerable damage if they had been detonated. . ■ 'Mr Harold Clyde Neil, a Labour Department inspector, gave evidence about the explosives in the fifth day of a depositions hearing on charges against two Gtara men. Bryan Terence Cassidy, aged 34. and Surrinder Singh, aged 37, are jointly charged with wilfully damaging the Pearl Baker Superette by means of explosives on January 15, attempting wilful damage of the superette by means of explosives on -dr about February 5. and breaking and entering the superette with intent to commit a crime on or about February 5. They are also charged with breaking and entering the premises of Prime Discount Meats in Pearl Baker Drive with intent to commit a crime on or about February 5. Singh is indictably charged with .wilfully setting fire to the superette on or about November 16 and again on or about December 14. Cassidy is also charged wjth carrying explosives with intent to commit a crime, namely damage a building by means of an explosion on February 5, and unauthorised possession of a pistol. Mr Neil told the court he

found about 15 "plugs" of the explosive Tovex 800 and detonators, at the superette on February 5. He said if they had been detonated they would have caused structural damage to the part of the shop they were found in. On February 8 he went to a factory where he found boxes with 24 "plugs” of Tovex 800. one of Tovex 200, and pieces of Tovex 200.

Other witnesses said the factory was where Cassidy worked.

Cross-examined by counsel for Cassidy (Mr Paul Loftus), Mr Neil said Tovex 800 was a common brand of explosive.

Mr J. Bundy, an Ellerslie painter, said ’ that Cassidy had telephoned him to ask him to pick him up one night in January or February. He thought Cassidy said he wanted, to buy a gun. He told the court of going to the factory where Cassidy worked one night to pick him up. He thought Cassidy \vas "paranoic" because the police were after him. Cassidy said he was involved in "the Otara incident."

Mr Bundy said he was not sure but he thought that Cassidy said he was paid $3000,: $30,000 or $3O.

He said Cassidy was whispering during the conversation.

Cross-examined by Mr Loftus, Mr Bundy said that he was not sure if what he remembered Cassidy saying was 100 per cent correct.

Under re-examination by the prosecutor. Detective Sergeant W. Scott. Mr Bundy said he was sure that Cassidy mentioned "the Otara job" and sure that the word explosives was used in their conversation. The hearing is before Mr P. Morgan and Mr N. E. Taylor. Justices of the Peace.