Man sparks 'biohazard' alert with 'sample of wife's cooking'

A man sent a package containing a 'sample of his wife's cooking' - labelled 'biohazard' - to debt collectors, sparking a major security alert. Andrew Cowell, 55, sent two parcels with plastic bags amid during a row about his council tax bill, Tameside Magistrates' Court heard.

Gareth Hughes, prosecuting, said that on the first occasion, an office worker checking post at Leicestershire-based enforcement agency Rundles and Company Ltd watched in horror as a mysterious yellow liquid spilled onto her desk.

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In an accompanying letter Cowell, from Salford, who faced losing his house for non-payment of a council tax bill, described himself as 'hostile and very angry', adding: "Be careful when someone has nothing to lose. What is your address again?"

On the second occasion, when a suspicious package arrived at the same office, staff sent it straight to police. When quizzed, Cowell - a former ROV pilot - claimed the liquid was leftover cooking made by his wife.

Cowell pleaded guilty to sending a letter conveying a threatening message; and sending a noxious substance, 'namely food items'', as a hoax under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks, suspended for 12 months and was ordered to pay £378 in costs and surcharge.

In a statement, Paul Clayson, the administrator for Rundles and Company said: "I did not feel distress at the first letter. But later, when a further letter was received written in black marker pen and the incorrect postcode, I was careful following the earlier incident.

"There was a yellow plastic bag with 'biohazard' written on it. It was a printed plastic bag. I was wearing protective gloves pulling it out of the bag.

"Our letter we sent him had a stain of a reddish brown colour, it looked like dried blood. It had a musty smell like a dried blood smell. That was not opened and police were called. We passed all the items to the police."

When Cowell initially faced court in November 2022, he refused to enter the dock to identify himself. A warrant was issued for his arrest. He was then locked up and initially pleaded not guilty before changing his plea on the day of trial.

His solicitor Chris Squibbs said: "He committed these offences at a time of extreme stress. Attempts were being made to seize his house and potentially other assets and he dealt with the situation extremely badly.

"The report makes reference to alcohol being a coping strategy and declining mental health. The Andrew Cowell before you now, today, is probably a manifestly different Andrew Cowell in terms of health and how he perceives things.

"He has paid the debt with the council. He has paid the money he owes them and wants to work on his demons. When he is well he will seek work. He has an extensive history of work before he became unwell."

Cowell, of New Street, Swinton, was also made the subject of a six-month community order, with requirements that he attends 10 days of rehabilitation with the probation service and completes a six-month alcohol treatment programme. He told the court: "I have no income. I was tormented by these people for over a year."

Chair of the bench Catherine Meek told him: "During these matters you showed absolutely no consideration for the effect your actions had on those people.

"They were sitting in the office minding their own business, trying to do their job, and received threats like this. You put them into fear with the 'biohazard bags'. You intended to cause fear and distress and intimidate the people just doing their job.

"We feel the offences are so serious that only custodial sentences are appropriate. However, we have decided to suspend the sentences. Consider yourself lucky you have a suspended sentence."