What’s the difference between an animal rights activist and a schizophrenic bomber? In the case of Glynn Harding, 26, the two maladies converged into a bombing campaign that seriously injured thee people.
In July Harding plead guilt in the United Kingdom to 12 counts of sending explosive devises with intent and three counts of causing bodily harm with explosives. Only sheer luck prevented more harm and possible deaths in the bombings (one victim’s life was saved, for example, when he opened the bomb from the wrong end). As it was, one of Harding’s bombs seriously injured a six-year-old girl and blinded an estate agent in one eye.
Harding began sending his bombs in December 2000, and targeted businesses connected in some way with animal industries.
Harding suffers from schizophrenia and had been held in a secure mental facility since his February 2001 arrest. Sentencing proceedings will not commence in the case until sometime in September.
Sources:
Letter bomber motivated by animal rights. Angelique Chrisafis, The Guardian (London), July 28, 2001.
Animal rights bomber admits terror campaign. Paul Stokes, The Daily Telegraph (London), July 28, 2001.
Man admits sending letter bombs. The BBC, July 27, 2001.