A MAN has appeared in court charged with leaving a fake bomb at an Ellesmere Port curry house.

Stephen Deerin, 47, is accused of calling police yesterday (Sunday, November 4) claiming a device had been left at the Purple Olive on Chester Road.

It is alleged that he had previously failed to pay for a £65 takeaway meal from the restaurant, Chester Magistrates Court heard today.

Prosecuting, Alan Currums said the incident had sparked a huge response from the emergency services costing the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds.

The bomb squad later confirmed a device found at the restaurant was “not viable”.

Deering, of Pound Road, Ellesmere Port, refused to come out of his cell to face magistrates and has been remanded in custody until his next appearance at Chester Crown Court on December 3.

He faces three charges – placing an article with intent (bomb hoax), making off without payment, and racially or religiously aggravated harassment.

The final charge relates to an alleged incident at Blacon Custody Suite following his arrest.