A SOUTHAMPTON man has been jailed after being caught with Molotov cocktails in a public car park. 

Thomas Platt, 34, was jailed for three years on Wednesday at Southampton Crown Court. 

It comes after a jury found him guilty of making explosive devices for unlawful purposes in a car park at Millbrook Road East. 

At his trial in May, the jury heard how Platt of Shirley Park Road, Southampton had found the bottles in a communal bin area. 

He then took the two brown ale bottles back to a silver Ford Fiesta he and his friend were seen in and took a petrol canister out of the boot. 

READ MORE: Man made petrol bombs in Southampton car park, trial told

A witness said that the two men then poured petrol into the bottles before ripping up a towel and placing the cloth in the top. 

These devices were then taped up and put in the boot with Platt later being arrested at Jordan House. 

He was taken to a hospital for a check-up before being transferred into custody.

An order was also made for the forfeiture of the explosive devices at his sentencing. 

Platt previously told jurors he had made the petrol bombs with the aim of starting a bonfire at his home. 

READ MORE: Man guilty of making Molotov cocktails in Southampton car park

He said he had the petrol because the fuel gauge was broken on his car so he carried it in the boot at all times.

But prosecutor Aleks Lloyd questioned why he chose to make the items at Millbrook Road East, rather than going home first. 

It was also said that he had been seen arguing prior to the production of the petrol bombs and that he had lost his temper. 

He was initially arrested on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon, with the officer in the case telling the jury police were “concerned that he was looking to cause harm to somebody”.

The offence was committed on September 5, 2021.