Wednesday, January 28, 2026 - A self-described science “nerd” has been sentenced to prison after police discovered he was making and storing explosive materials in a garden shed at his home in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom.
Harry Whittaker, 33, was jailed for 45 months at the Old
Bailey after being found guilty of possessing and manufacturing explosive
substances. The case came to light in April 2024 when Whittaker called
emergency services after suffering a severe allergic reaction at his home in
Caddington, near Luton.
When paramedics arrived, Whittaker told them he had been
conducting chemical experiments and showed them a shed he used as a makeshift
laboratory. Alarmed by what they saw, the medics alerted the police.
Prosecutors told the court that officers later found a range
of highly dangerous materials in Whittaker’s bedroom and shed, including
explosive compounds, ammunition, toxic chemicals, radioactive materials and
white phosphorus, a substance so hazardous it had to be destroyed by the
military.
Although the court could not establish that Whittaker was
preparing an imminent attack, Judge Simon Mayo KC said his actions posed a
serious risk to others.
“Your conduct gave rise to a risk of harm to others,” the
judge said. “Although I cannot be sure you had the explosives for a violent
purpose, you spoke about it and contemplated it.”
Investigators also uncovered extremist and racist messages
on Whittaker’s phone, including violent threats directed at a mosque in Luton.
Handwritten notes seized by police contained disturbing ideological statements
and references to making explosives. A container labelled as “extremely
explosive” with antisemitic wording was also presented as evidence.
Whittaker claimed during police interviews that he was
merely conducting scientific experiments, saying he enjoyed pyrotechnics and
was trying to collect chemical elements as a hobby. He denied being reckless
and described his activities as “harmless fun,” insisting he took precautions.
The court heard that Whittaker, who has autism spectrum
disorder, also admitted to heroin use and had a previous conviction for assault
relating to an incident in 2019. He pleaded guilty to additional offences under
the Poisons Act and for possessing ammunition without a licence.
After his conviction, Crown Prosecution Service prosecutor
Paul Goddard said Whittaker’s actions had endangered not only himself but also
his family and neighbours.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their local community,”
Goddard said, adding that the case should serve as a warning about the serious
consequences of acquiring and experimenting with dangerous materials.
Whittaker was taken into custody following sentencing at the
Old Bailey in central London.
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