| Submit your comments on this article |
| Britain |
| Fake bomb detectors sold by businessman court told |
| 2013-03-07 |
| A businessman sold fake bomb detectors to countries around the world, the Old Bailey has heard. Jurors were told James McCormick's Advanced Detection Equipment was marketed to the military, governments and police forces in various countries. Prosecutors said fake detectors sold for up to $40,000 (£27,000) had no grounding in science and made "fantastic" claims. Mr McCormick, 56, of Langport, Somerset, denies three counts of fraud. Richard Whittam QC, prosecuting, said brochures featuring men in military-type outfits promised detection of substances from planes, underwater, underground and through walls. Continue reading the main story However, he said, the three models - the ADE650, 651 and 101 - were shams and did not work. The prosecution said scientific tests showed the devices to be completely ineffectual and lacking any grounding in science. Mr Whittam said the forerunner of the 101, the 100, "was actually a golf ball finder" that could be purchased in the US for less than $20 (£13). He told the court that the devices were variously marketed as being able to detect all kinds of explosives, including TNT, drugs and even ivory, fluids and human beings. "The devices did not work and he knew they did not work," said the barrister. |
| Posted by:tipper |