Joshua Henschke sentenced to a suspended jail sentence in the Adelaide Magistrates Court for possessing explosives

A “bored” Riverland chef caught with explosive devices caused The Bomb Response Unit to be called – but a court has heard it was “a bit of fun”.

A former chef started making explosive devices for “a bit of fun” after he found himself with some time on his hands.

Joshua Kym Gomez Henschke, 33, turned to YouTube videos to learn how to make them after he lost his job.

The Adelaide Magistrates Court heard police searched a Moorook property on April 30.

They located an electronic detonator, a flare and wooden tamper and a roll of electrical tape.

“The Bomb Response Unit was called and located further items, including a blue cylindrical object with a fuse inserted at one end,” Magistrate Brett Dixon said.

The court heard 147g of sulphur, 314g of potassium nitrate and charcoal was also found.

“The Bomb Response Unit gave the opinion that these three chemicals can be mixed together to produce a black powder which is an explosive substance,” Mr Dixon said.

Joshua Henschke received a suspended jail sentence in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday for possessing an explosive device. Picture: Facebook

Henschke, of Loxton, had previously pleaded guilty in the Adelaide Magistrates Court to possessing an explosive device and taking steps in the manufacture of an explosive device.

Kate Budzynski, for Henschke, told the court her client was previously employed as a chef.

“Unfortunately because of the COVID-19 health pandemic, he was unable to continue working in that role and found himself unemployed and by default somewhat bored,” she said.

“He’s always had a keen interest in pyrotechnics and essentially began watching YouTube videos in relation to how to manufacture small explosive devices and fireworks.”

Ms Budzynski told the court there was no suggestion that Henschke had any “malicious intent.”

“He made those devices essentially for a bit of fun because he lives in a country area,” she said.

Mr Dixon said he needed to consider the safety of the public.

“People with more sinister intentions than yours will be dissuaded by the courts imposing severe penalties,” he said.

Mr Dixon sentenced Henschke to 11 months and 30 days jail.

The sentence was wholly suspended on a 18-month good behaviour bond of $500.