A FORMER Ministry of Defence worker from Stoke Gifford who tried to blow up his ex-girlfriend's car has been jailed.

Malcolm Stewart, 44, made petrol bombs at home and targeted his former partner after a row over money, Cambridgeshire Police said.

He travelled 190 miles from his home to Houghton, St Ives, where he had previously lived with the woman, in February 2010.

Stewart then placed four homemade devices under her car and in the wheel arches. The bombs were made from plastic bottles filled with petrol and cotton wool. When the woman drove the car the following day she found one still attached – the other three had fallen off.

Stewart, of Adelante Close, was arrested and his home was searched.

Officers found evidence linking Stewart to the devices and a police-style baton was also discovered in his vehicle.

He was convicted of attempted arson with intent to cause damage and possessing an offensive weapon following a trial at Peterborough Crown Court and was jailed for five years and two months.

Detective Constable Hollie Daines, who led the investigation, said: "This was a pre-planned attempt to terrify his former partner.

"It was only through sheer luck that no one was seriously injured or killed as a result of his actions."