Man in court over explosives found near Aberfan Memorial Garden days before Royal visit

A man has appeared in court after suspected explosives were found near the Aberfan Memorial Garden days before a Royal visit to mark the disaster's 60th anniversary.

Stefan Dale, 38, is charged with making an explosive substance with intent to endanger life or injure property.

South Wales Police said the discovery was made on the Taff Trail, between the cemetery and the memorial garden, on 17 October.

King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and the Prince of Wales laid wreaths in the memorial garden on 21 October, the anniversary of the 1966 disaster.

The court heard the Attorney General had granted consent for the prosecution, a requirement for offences brought under the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

Dale spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during a 10-minute hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court.

District Judge Thomas said that "with the prime minister and His Majesty the King visiting a few days later" the incident had caused "distress in Aberfan".

The court heard that Dale had received threats on social media.

He rejected a bail application and remanded Dale into custody until the next hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on 4 December.