Amateur Scientist Sentenced for Stockpiling Deadly Chemicals and Expressing Extremist Views
A self-described "nerdy" amateur scientist who accumulated a dangerous cache of explosives and cyanide in his garden shed while making disturbing jokes about violence against religious groups has been imprisoned for 45 months. Harry Whittaker, aged 33, stored homemade explosives alongside radioactive materials and lethal poisons in a shed he proudly called 'The Laboratory', where he conducted regular experiments that released toxic fumes into neighbouring gardens.
A Disturbing Collection of Dangerous Materials
Whittaker labelled his cyanide sample with the chilling name 'Zyklon B' accompanied by a skull and crossbones symbol, referencing the poison used during the Holocaust. He later claimed this labelling was simply intended to "brighten up his day". Police discovered Nazi paraphernalia including a Swastika flag in his bedroom at the family home in Caddington village near Luton, with a framed photograph of Adolf Hitler positioned above his bed.
The amateur scientist used deeply offensive racial slurs when referring to Pakistani and black people in messages to family members, despite previously describing himself as "friendly and tolerant of anyone". During court proceedings, he expressed entrenched Islamophobic views, characterising the religion as "barbaric" and claiming it was fundamentally incompatible with Western society.
Explosive Experiments and Toxic Fumes
Neighbours had grown accustomed to muffled explosions and plumes of smoke emanating from Whittaker's garden laboratory. George Nedechev, a local resident, testified that fumes from the experiments were so frequent and acrid that his family had to keep windows permanently closed, effectively becoming "hostages" in their own home.
Whittaker's alarming collection included deadly potassium cyanide and mildly radioactive uranium concentrate known as 'yellow cake', which he admitted purchasing online. His obsession with experiments was so intense that he would sometimes forget to sleep and could only answer the door when his mother was present.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Whittaker was convicted of two charges of possessing an explosive substance and two charges of making an explosive substance. He was cleared of two additional possession charges but admitted a charge under the Poisons Act and having ammunition without a licence.
Judge Simon Mayo, KC, sentencing at the Old Bailey, stated: "Your conduct gave rise to a risk of harm to others. Although I cannot be sure you had the explosives for a violent purpose, you spoke about it and contemplated it." The judge described Whittaker as a "highly intelligent and articulate individual" and found that his mental health conditions did not significantly diminish his culpability.
Disturbing Discoveries and Manifesto
Police discovered a handwritten manifesto containing clauses such as 'worship Hitler', 'avoid gays', 'make explosives', and 'discriminate against other people of other religions and race'. A canister containing burnt powder bore a homemade label reading: "Warning, danger - extremely explosive, keep away from fire and children, and use on Jews only".
Officers also found a homemade rocket that Whittaker had successfully launched 20 metres into the air using just 50 grams of special homemade solid fuel, alongside an instruction manual for making explosives titled 'Uncle Fester' after the explosive-prone Addams Family character.
Defence Claims and Previous Convictions
Whittaker insisted his offensive language and threats were merely jokes, claiming that his Aspergers, ADHD, and autism meant he had "no filter". He described his chemical collection as a hobby "like collecting Pokemon cards" and maintained he had no intention of harming anyone.
The court heard that Whittaker had previous convictions for assault and dangerous driving in 2019 related to drug use and a "disorganised lifestyle". He was arrested after calling an ambulance complaining of breathing difficulties following chemical handling, which led police to discover his trove of dangerous materials and vile racial threats.
Community Impact and Police Response
Chief Superintendent Jaki Whittred from Bedfordshire Police commented: "Our officers quickly recognised the serious and potential danger in the devices and chemicals found in Mr Whittaker's possession, and as a result fortunately no-one was harmed by his reckless actions." She thanked the Caddington community for their understanding and support throughout the investigation.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and reporting suspicious behaviour to authorities. Whittaker's dangerous activities and extremist views have left a lasting impact on the quiet village community where he conducted his alarming experiments.
