The trial of a rocket man accused of making explosives in his own kitchen today collapsed at York magistrates court.

Alan Bullock, of The Ridings, Wheldrake, agreed to be cautioned for offences under the Explosives Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Immediately afterwards the explosives inspector who brought this case defended the decision to prosecute.

"We have to protect the safety of the public," said Ian McKay, of the Health and Safety Executive.

"Making explosives can be highly dangerous and should not be done in your own kitchen. You are putting yourself at risk, your children, your next door neighbour etc and it really should not be contemplated."

He said that Mr Bullock had 4lb of explosives in his house, which was enough to totally destroy the building.

Mr Bullock said outside court that he was pleased with the outcome because it did not result in a conviction.

He hoped to continue his attempts to make a rocket, though he would not do so under the same circumstances or conditions which had led to the prosecution.

He added that it was unlikely to happen in the near future.

He said he was professionally involved in the industry and would not be making any more explosives.

Mr Bullock was charged with manufacturing explosives other than at a licensed factory and failing to ensure that other people were protected because explosives were not kept in a safe and suitable manner.