An 18-year-old has admitted to possessing explosive substances and making threats to bomb a college, after police discovered alarming material at his home. Jagger Strang, from Stafford, changed his pleas on the morning of his trial at Leicester Crown Court on May 6, 2026.
Guilty Pleas on Seven Charges
Strang pleaded guilty to seven charges, including possession of explosive substances, gunpowder, and thermite. He also admitted to accessing YouTube videos about manufacturing black powder and constructing detonators from improvised materials. Additionally, he confessed to making threats to kill peers at Stafford College and setting off a bomb there in September 2025.
Police Investigation
Staffordshire Police were alerted by a safeguarding officer at Stafford College in September 2025, after Strang told other students he had weapons and planned to blow up the site. He was arrested the same day at his home, where officers seized a tin containing homemade black powder, various chemicals, thermite, and a blowpipe.
Examination of Strang's mobile phone revealed a manifesto, internet searches about notorious mass killers, and instructions on how to make bombs and remote detonators. Detective Inspector Dave Rowlands said: "This was a deeply concerning case involving threats that understandably caused significant alarm to the students and staff at the college. Thanks to the vigilance of the college's students and staff and the swift actions of our officers, we were able to intervene quickly and prevent any potential harm."
Court Proceedings
Strang had been due to stand trial for nine offences, but changed his pleas on the morning of the trial. He pleaded guilty on the basis that he had no intention to build a bomb. Prosecutors accepted his pleas and will not proceed with a trial on the remaining charges. Mr Justice Wall adjourned sentencing to June 29 at Birmingham Crown Court. Strang was remanded in custody.
