A CHILD abuser facing a significant prison sentence has had his case adjourned so that a decision can be made about whether he is going to be charged with offences relating to an alleged chemical bomb.

Keighley man Martin Panton, 49, was due to be sentenced alongside his co-defendant 54-year-old Katherine Pengilley today, but Judge Colin Burn decided to adjourn the hearing after being told about the possibility of further charges.

Barrister Jayne Beckett revealed that although her client Panton, of Parkwood Street, was now remanded in custody, he had also been on bail for a long time in respect of "counter terrorism charges".

Mrs Beckett said she had no idea whether the inquiry would go anywhere and she submitted that her client's sentence should go ahead.

But after seeking further information about the inquiry, prosecutor Miss Kitty Colley said the matter was being taken seriously and had involved the Metropolitan Police in London after alleged searches on the internet for what were deemed to be "chemical constituents" that would make a bomb.

"The Crown Prosecution Service in London who are dealing with this matter are meeting in two weeks and are awaiting the outcome of this case to determine how they progress any charges," said Miss Colley.

The allegations are understood to relate to possible offences committed last September.

Judge Burn said it was "simply unacceptable" for either the police or the CPS to decide whether they approve of a sentence before they decide whether their own case is going to be taken forward.

The judge said it was an unattractive situation and it would be impossible for Panton to be sentenced piecemeal.

"The overarching principle remains that persons facing a number of serious matters should be dealt with at the same time for all those matters. Not in dribs and drabs," said Judge Burn.

Panton is awaiting sentence in relation to offences of indecent assault and indecency with a child.

Pengilley, of Williams Road, Steeton, has admitted related offending.

Judge Burn said it was going to have to be made clear that Panton could not be sentenced for the sexual offences until a decision had been made about any further allegations.

"I really need a decision Miss Colley on the return date," said Judge Burn.

"If there is no decision then a justification in writing from either the CPS in London or the Metropolitan Police as to why no decision has been taken."

Panton was remanded back into custody until April 21 and Pengilley was granted bail until the same date.