THE man at the centre of a bomb scare in Burnham last month built explosive devices because he was ‘bored’ a court has been told.

Phillip Leonard, aged 36, pleaded guilty at Taunton Crown Court on Tuesday to four counts of making explosives for an unlawful purpose between December 31 and January 20.

Bomb disposal experts were called to his ex-partner’s home in Beatty Way and evacuated dozens of residents when they put up a 100m safety cordon.

Taunton Deane Magistrates Court was told at an earlier hearing that Leonard came up with the idea when bored after watching a TV documentary on the subject.

When police knocked on his door, Leonard answered it and told officers: “I thought I might get a visit from you.”

When asked if he had dangerous substances at the property he said he had two different types of explosives.

Dean Lampard, prosecuting, said: “He thought he would see what he could do.”

The court was told that Leonard had problems with methadone previously and mental health issues.

Crispin Hayllar, defending said there was nothing malicious and Leonard only wanted to experiment.

Leonard will remain in custody following Tuesday’s brief hearing until he is sentenced in the coming weeks. It was adjourned so pre-sentence reports can be conducted to help with handing out an appropriate punishment.