A man accused of trying to blow up his niece with a bomb has appeared before Basildon magistrates.

Martin Diggines, 37, of North Weald, is charged with the attempted murder of Kelly Diggines, 18.

Kelly's home in Delhi Road, Pitsea, was badly damaged last Monday after a parcel bomb was left on her doorstep.

It exploded after she dropped it in her lounge, shattering all the downstairs windows and leaving shrapnel embedded in the sofa.

Unemployed Mr Diggines is also accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice in North Weald by bribing Susan Hounslow to try to discredit Kelly as a witness in a forthcoming court case.

Grey-haired Diggines spoke just once during his brief court appearance to confirm his name.

Prosecutor Keith Rylands outlined the facts to the magistrates and said he would oppose bail. Defence solicitor Barry Linnane said he would not be asking for bail.

Diggines was remanded in custody until March 12 but will not have to appear in person before the court until March 30.

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