Liam Lyburd Trial - Jury Sent Out
The jury in the trial of a teenager accused of plotting a massacre at his former college has been sent out to consider verdicts.
Liam Lyburd, 19, learned how to make pipe bombs and assembled a Glock semi-automatic handgun from parts he bought off the internet, along with 94 hollow point expanding bullets.
He has pleaded guilty to nine charges relating to making five pipe bombs, two home-made explosive devices, possessing a 9mm Luger Calibre Glock gun, the bullets and CS gas.
But he denied eight charges of possessing those items with an intent to endanger life at Newcastle College.
The prosecution said he had told other people about his plans to attack the college when he was arrested at his Newcastle home in November.
But he told the jury at Newcastle Crown Court he was trying to get friends' attention online, that he was an internet troll and he had no intention of shooting anyone.
The prosecution case was that Lyburd was guilty if, at any time he had possession of the deadly weapons, his intention was to endanger life, even if he did not go through with the plan, Judge Paul Sloan QC told the jury.
What may have begun as fantasy was all too real,'' the judge, outlining the Crown's case, said.
The defence case was that the jury could not be sure that he had any intention to endanger life, and his online chats were no more than pathetic boasts'', the judge said.
Outlining the defence case, Judge Sloan said: You cannot be sure, on the evidence you have heard, these were anything other than the crazy thoughts of a disturbed loner.''
The jury was sent home for the night and will resume deliberations on Thursday.