Zachary Joseph Weir, Andrews Farm man, charged with making explosives at his property
A northern suburbs father of two was only “mucking around” when allegedly making explosives at his home, a court has heard.
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An Andrews Farm father of two has faced court accused of making explosive devices using firecrackers and ball bearings at his property.
Zachary Joseph Weir, 35, appeared in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court charged with five counts of taking steps in the manufacture of an explosive device, and two counts of possession of an explosive device, on September 4 this year.
The court heard from the prosecution firecrackers were wrapped together with duct tape and cable ties with a fuse inserted, while some devices had ball bearings attached.
The police prosecutor said the items were assessed and deemed explosives by SA Police’s bomb response unit.
“Four of the items made by the defendant, were made by tying firecrackers together,” the prosecutor said.
“They were just mucking around to see if they could destroy a metal bucket.
“It was going to be blown up.”
Weir’s lawyer, Vanessa Cream, said they were “certainly very serious matters” but maintained her client was just “mucking around” at home.
“He wasn’t aware of how serious this was. He’s certainly aware now,” Ms Cream said.
“I don’t seek to minimise the seriousness of this matter.”
Magistrate Brian Nitschke granted Weir bail and he will next appear on February 8.
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