A SUICIDAL man created a homemade explosive device and armed himself with two fake guns before changing his mind.

Terrence Gaythorpe’s partner became concerned for his safety after he went missing from their home in Colchester.

She called the police but once they arrived at the house in Barkstead Road, he returned home.

Police searched a rucksack and found a sawn off air rifle, a starter pistol and a small amount of cannabis.

They also discovered an improvised explosive device which was filled with low level gun powder and pellets.

Ipswich Crown Court heard Gaythorpe, 32, had considered taking his own life in October while in a depressive state.

Michael Crimp, prosecuting, said: “The device was examined and found to have low level pyrotechnic-style gunpowder in it – the sort which would have come from a firework.

“There was a piece of fuse sticking out and the film cannister had been filled with ball bearings.

“This was subsequently examined by experts who said if the device had been discharged it would have caused a flash of light, a loud report and let out shrapnel pellets.”

The court heard Gaythorpe had initially planned to take his own life and had taken the guns to scare other people who tried to approach him.

Neither were capable of causing serious harm and could not have been converted to live weapons.

Gaythorpe told police he eventually realised his idea had been “a bit daft” and returned home.

He admitted possession of gunpowder, an imitation revolver, an air rifle and cannabis.

When they searched his home, police found other half-finished improvised devices in a safe.

Judge Martyn Levett sentenced him to 16 months in jail suspended for two years along with 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He said he was satisfied Gaythorpe had no ulterior motive on the day.

He said: “You had taken the gun powder and the firearms and your primary intention was that of suicide.

“However, it is not only the harm you would have done to yourself but the harm which may have been caused to others as a result of this particular action.

“Although it would be unlikely it would have killed somebody it would have caused serious injury if it had exploded in a confined space.”

Judge Levett heard Gaythorpe, who has been in custody for the last four months, was working on a reconciliation with his partner.