Archive · 28 Jan 2026
UK 'Science Nerd' Jailed for Explosives Factory
A man named Harry Whittaker, who loves science, was sent to jail for 45 months.
Police found dangerous things like explosives, poisons, and extremist messages in his home.
He said he was just doing science experiments, but the court said his actions were risky and could have hurt others.
He also had some drugs and illegal ammunition.
The police and the community were very worried about what he was doing.
Harry Whittaker, 33, was jailed for 45 months for making and possessing explosive substances.
Police found dangerous materials, including black powder, live ammunition, and white phosphorus, in his home.
Whittaker's activities were discovered after he called 999 for anaphylactic shock, and paramedics reported his chemical experiments.
Prosecutors found racist and extremist messages on his phone, along with handwritten notes promoting hatred.
Whittaker claimed his activities were for educational purposes and denied being reckless.
- Who
- Harry Whittaker, a 33-year-old science enthusiast with autism spectrum disorder
- What
- Jailed for making and possessing explosive substances, racist and extremist material, poisons, and ammunition
- When
- Sentenced in April 2024, with the incident starting in April 2024
- Where
- Caddington, near Luton, Bedfordshire, UK
- Why
- To conduct scientific experiments and enjoy pyrotechnics as a hobby, but his activities posed a serious risk to others
- Name
- Harry Whittaker
- Age
- 33
- Location
- Caddington, near Luton, Bedfordshire
- Sentence
- 45 months in prison
- Convictions
- Making and possessing explosive substances, racist and extremist material, poisons, and ammunition
- Materials Found
- Black powder, live ammunition, lethal poisons, chemicals, improvised explosive devices, radioactive material, white phosphorus
- Date of Incident
- April 2024