Self-styled ‘science nerd’ jailed for turning mum’s shed into explosives factory

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.