Conviction of DIY Bombmaker
A self-proclaimed "nerdy kid" has been found guilty of committing a serious criminal offence after building his own bombs in his mother's back garden.
Harry Whittaker, 32, of Caddington in Bedfordshire, claimed his actions were "harmless fun" and that he just had an interest in science.
He told officers he was "just a nerdy kid doing science" and said he was a fan of the cartoon series Dexter's Laboratory when he was a child.
However, upon searching the sheds in his mother's garden, police discovered a range of explosive substances and mixtures, as well as poisonous materials and a manual detailing how to make explosive devices.
The Crown Prosecution Service decided to prosecute Whittaker after reviewing the police file.
- Explosive substances and mixtures were found in Whittaker's homemade laboratory.
- Poisonous materials and a manual for making explosive devices were also discovered.
Author's summary: Man convicted for building bombs in his mother's garden.