Teen who allegedly took a pipe bomb on an Adelaide bus admits making explosives

A southern suburbs teenager has pleaded guilty to explosives charges — but denies a more serious charge that he endangered lives by taking a pipe bomb on a bus.

The charged teenager was remanded in custody by a Youth Court magistrate.

A southern suburbs teenager accused of taking a pipe bomb on a bus has pleaded guilty to explosives charges — but denies endangering the lives of others.

The 16-year-old, whose identity is suppressed under state law, faced the Adelaide Youth Court on Thursday.

He has been charged with three counts of possessing supplies or taking steps to manufacture an explosive.

The teen is further charged with four counts of using, possessing or supplying an explosive substance without a lawful excuse.

SA Police have also charged him with one count of endangering life.

He was arrested on March 5 after a report to police, which indicated the boy intended to self-harm.

Police allege CCTV vision and witness statements show he had explosives on the bus, which was travelling along a southern suburbs route, but they were not detonated.

They further allege a search of the address at which the boy was living recovered other devices.

On Thursday, Stephen Ey, for the boy, said his client would plead not guilty to endangering life.

He said the boy would plead guilty to two of the manufacturing counts, and one of the substance counts, claiming that would resolve the matter.

SA Police said they were not prepared to accept those pleas and asked the case be listed for trial.

Magistrate Luke Davis agreed, but urged the parties to attempt a resolution.

“He’s in custody, he’s pleaded guilty to some of the charges,” he said.

“I would expect negotiations to be robust, given he’s a youth with no prior history.”

He remanded the boy in custody until next month.

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