August 15, 2019 11.22 am This story is over 70 months old

Three people in court over mustard gas probe

One of the men was also charged with possession of a Bren Machine Gun
Left to right: Stuart Holmes, Martyn Tasker and Michaela Tasker. Photo: Connor Creaghan for Lincolnshire Reporter

Three people have been in court accused of possessing and dumping mustard gas canisters in a Woodhall Spa lake.

As previously reported, around 150 World War Two canisters were unearthed by bottle diggers in Roughton Woods in October 2017.

Both were treated for minor burns and respiratory problems at the time.

All three will be sent to Lincoln Crown Court. Photo: Connor Creaghan for Lincolnshire Reporter

Two men and one woman were summoned to a hearing at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 15.

Michaela and Martyn Tasker, of Longdales Road in Lincoln, and Stuart Holmes, of Witham Road in Woodhall Spa, were all charged with possessing and discharging mustard gas.

Martyn Tasker was also accused of having a Bren Machine Gun.

Martyn Tasker was also charged with possession of a Bren Machine Gun. Photo: Connor Creaghan for Lincolnshire Reporter

All three only spoke to confirm their identities and that they understood the charges before they were given unconditional bail.

They will now be summoned to Lincoln Crown Court on September 12 at around 10am for another hearing.

Lincolnshire Police was forced to cordon off large areas of Roughton Woods and Stixwould Lake before making three arrests.

All of the gas canisters are believed to be from an RAF station and military base which closed in the late 1960s.