Fishergate Shopping Centre’s front entrance closed Pic: Tony Worrall

An Ingol man has appeared in court charged with leaving a home-made bomb in a Preston shopping centre.

David Rutherford, 25, of Barry Avenue, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the brief hearing at Preston Magistrates’ Court.

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Rutherford first appeared in court on New Years Eve but was remanded in custody until Friday’s hearing.

He is charged with making an explosive with intent to endanger life or injure property.

Rutherford appeared by video link at the city’s court where his defence lawyer Paulo Pacerini made no application for Rutherford to be granted bail.

On December 17 the Fishergate Centre was evacuated after a member of the public raised the alarm after spotting the device – which was crudely made from an asthma inhaler – in a bin in the gents’ toilets.

Bomb disposal experts were called in and the centre remained closed for several hours.

The device had ignited but had not exploded or caused any injuries.

A 27-year-old man from Penwortham, who is not thought to be linked toRutherford, was also arrested during the course of police enquiries.

He has been bailed until January 28.

Rutherford will return to Preston Magistrates’ Court on January 14 when it is expected the case will be committed to the crown court.