BOMB-MAKING materials have been snuck into a Southend court this week during an inquest into the death of a government scientist.
The three materials were produced from a witness' handbag while she was giving evidence on the stand at Southend Coroner's Court on Monday.
The three same materials - referred to only as Sustance A, B and C to prevent terrorist knowledge of the mix - was the same that spontanteously combusted causing fatal 80 per cent burns to government scientist Terence Jupp on Foulness Island on 14 August 2002.
The incident happened on Monday afternoon when 'Witness C' - a world-renowned American scientist - was giving evidence in a closed session at the inquest into Mr Jupp's death and was only revealed in the coroner's summary of evidence today (Friday).
In his summary of evidence he said: "Jurors will remember her production of vials of chemicals from her handbag to express her confidence in their safety, which caused a rather rapid reaction from much of the court and certainly from the chairs occupied by the Health and Safety witnesses".
The incident has raised questions about security at the court where bags are checked on entry and a metal-detector is used.