Defence worker Artem Vasilyev found not guilty of committing other acts done in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act

His house was full of guns, explosive chemicals and vile, racist literature, but this jury says this Defence department worker is not a terrorist.

A Defence department worker who 3-D printed guns and collected explosive chemicals, along with right wing extremist literature has been acquitted of a terrorism charge.

After deliberating for more than 12 hours over three days, a jury of six men and six women unanimously found Artem Vasilyev not guilty of one count of committing other acts done in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act.

Mr Henchliffe said outside the court that Mr Vasilyev was relieved by the verdict.

Prosecutors alleged he 3D-printed guns, gathered chemicals and took other steps in a plan to destroy the Cherry Gardens electrical substation to further the cause of white nationalism.

During the trial, jurors watched a video of the 3D-printed guns found in Vasilyev’s home, which he describes to police as “toys” and “cool models” for “role-playing”.

Vasilyev’s counsel conceded their client was “plainly in trouble”, and had pleaded guilty to 22 firearms charges, but insisted prosecutors could not prove he was planning a terrorist act.

Last week, Scott Henchliffe KC, for Vasilyev, told jurors the case was a circumstantial one, meaning they had to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that prosecutors had proven every one of their claims.

Jurors watched a video of 3-D-printed guns found at Vasilyev’s house.

He suggested that could never happen, as the evidence showed Vasilyev printed guns and bought chemicals 18 months before conducting any online search about the substation.

He added his client “did not need” 3D-printed guns to stage an attack, as he already had three legal firearms and one illegal gun in his possession.

“Mr Vasilyev did not know (at that time) there was even a substation there, let alone (think about) attacking it,” he said.

“Some people do like to make things … Mr Vasilyev was undoubtedly curious about a large number of things which he would have been well-advised to leave alone.

“But he was not planning a terrorist act and was not planning to attack the substation.”

Mr Henchliffe said he “would not defend” Vasilyev’s “indefensible” racist comments in online chats, but questioned what value they had in the trial.

Justice Sandi McDonald adjourned the remaining charges until later this month.

Outside court, Mr Henchliffe said his client who remains in custody was relieved by the verdict.