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Christopher Phillips of Cole Harbour, N.S. is accused of possessing dangerous chemicals and has elected to be charged by judge

An RCMP officer has testified that an investigation of a Halifax man accused of possessing dangerous chemicals began when his wife reported to police she felt threatened by the materials he was storing.

The defence for Christopher Phillips told provincial court it wasn't seeking a publication ban on his bail hearing today and any preliminary hearing and Judge Alanna Murphy granted the request.

RCMP Sgt. Lisa Stuart testified that Gosia Phillips, the accused's wife, went to police on Jan. 19 and told them her husband's mental health was deteriorating and he was behaving strangely.

Stuart said Gosia told police her husband had osmium tetroxide in vials and possibly uranium and she was fearful the chemicals posed a threat to her family's safety.

The 42-year-old Phillips was arrested in an Ottawa hotel on Jan. 21 after the building was evacuated and charged with uttering threats and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Police have said the cottage and a shed that Phillips owned in the Halifax-area community of Grand Desert were filled with chemicals in various states of degradation.

Phillips has elected to be tried by judge alone.

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