AN ex-army worker allegedly researched guerrilla warfare and had an explosive “black powder”, a court heard.

Dean Morrice, of Pithay Court, Paulton, was arrested on Thursday (August 27) in a terror raid but has denied terror and explosives charges.

The 33-year-old allegedly held white supremacist views which he shared on a WhatsApp group.

Prosecutors alleged Morrice had a terrorist document and sharing it online as well as having an explosive powder.

He is also accused of researching Vietcong guerrilla warfare and was found with black powder and the ingredients to make thermite - a pyrotechnic substance made of metal powder and metal oxide.

Police arrested Morrice under the Terrorism Act following a raid in Paulton.

At Westminster Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, he indicated a not guilty plea for possessing a document for preparing an act of terrorism and two counts of sharing content of a terrorist publication electronically.

He also faces a charge of having an explosive black powder for which he did not indicate a plea today.

The former army employee, who worked in a desk role based in the UK, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth at the hearing today.

Morrice, who the court heard has four children in the Bristol area, appeared in the dock with a black beard and moustache wearing a grey tracksuit and a face mask which he took off once seated.

Prosecutor Simon Drew told the court what officers found at Morrice's home during the police raid.

But Sajad Chaudhry, defending, argued it is not clear what Morrice planned to do with any items found in his possession.

District judge John Zani said: “I bear in mind that you have not been convicted of anything.

“These are allegations that you face and it will be for the crown court and if you maintain your plea of not guilty, it will be a matter for the judge and jury.

“In the event of conviction, a lengthy sentence would appear almost inevitable. All matters will be sent to the crown court."

Morrice was denied bail and remanded in custody to appear for trial at the Old Bailey in October.

He is charged with possession of an explosive substance for unlawful purposes, namely a “Black Powder”, on or before August 20, 2020.

He faces two separate charges related to transmitting content of a terrorist publication electronically on March 15, 2019 and on August 20, 2020.

Morrice is also charged with the possession of a document containing information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism within the same jurisdiction on August 20, 2020.