A woman expressed concerns that her ex-partner had rigged her residence with explosives, leading to evacuations, as detailed in court proceedings. Maximin Carter, 51, faced sentencing in Swansea Crown Court following the incident in Abergwynfi, Neath Port Talbot. The woman alerted authorities fearing the presence of dangerous items at her property, prompting military intervention.

Although no explosives were discovered, Carter was found to have stored various weapons at the property, including an air rifle, ammunition, a knuckleduster, telescopic truncheons, and a ninja sword. Described as having a keen interest in weaponry, Carter’s ex-partner contacted the police on Valentine’s Day due to her unease about the weapons, suspecting some items to be potential bombs.

The prosecution revealed that Carter had been residing at the address without authorization, violating a non-molestation order. The situation escalated to the extent that neighboring properties had to be evacuated, and a thorough search involving military resources was conducted. The property was described as chaotic, with Carter’s former partner suggesting it seemed like traps had been set up.

Following the search, no explosives were found, but several offensive weapons were confiscated. Carter admitted ownership of the seized items during a police interview but later refused to comment. His criminal record included a conviction for cannabis possession in 1998 and a caution for possessing an offensive weapon in 2009.

Carter, who pleaded guilty to possession of prohibited and offensive weapons, received a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence. He will serve 40% of the term in custody and the remainder on license. Sergeant Kristian Burt from South Wales Police commended the community for their cooperation during the investigation, emphasizing that Abergwynfi is now safer with the weapons seized.