Sebastian Newman faces court after small explosion at Westfield Miranda
A 21-year-old man who allegedly set off chemical explosives in the toilets at Westfield Miranda also hid the same explosive in other areas across the shopping centre, according to court documents.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A 21-year-old man who allegedly set off chemical explosives in the toilets at Westfield Miranda also hid the same explosive in other areas across the shopping centre, according to court documents.
Sebastian Newman, from Loftus, was arrested and charged with leaving a substance to create a false belief of danger, possessing a chemical explosive device, and possessing a knife in a public place on Thursday.
It came after police were called to the shopping centre on the Kingsway shortly before 2pm on Wednesday following reports a man was throwing bottles into a bathroom toilet on level one.
Court documents state the bottles allegedly contained a mixture of granulated chlorine and isopropyl alcohol.
Police allege one of the bottles exploded when it was thrown into the bathroom toilet.
It is understood a man inside the bathroom at the time suffered a burst eardrum as a result.
Court documents state Newman allegedly hid the same explosive concoction in “various concealed places” across the Westfield, with the intention to “induce a false belief that the substance was likely to be a danger to the safety of the public”.
A number of crime scenes were established at the centre and the 21-year-old was arrested a short time later.
The Westfield Miranda was not evacuated.
Police allege they located and seized a knife, bottle, and other items during a search of the man.
He was taken to Sutherland police station, before being taken to hospital for treatment for a minor injury and assessment.
Newman was mentioned in Sutherland Local Court on Thursday where he did not apply for bail.
He will reappear before court next month.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Do you know more? Message 0481 056 618 or email tips@dailytelegraph.com.au
‘Live with us for a week’: Moree resident’s invitation to top judge
Kylie Smith and her in-laws live in nightly fear of having their Moree homes broken into by people let out of custody on bail. She has issued a unique invitation to NSW’s top judicial officer — who has defended bail decisions — to walk a mile in her shoes.
Read more
Ledgers, BlackBerry phones ‘key’ evidence in drug trial
Key pieces of evidence such as BlackBerry phones, transcribed texts and ledgers will be viewed by a jury who will decide the fate of two men accused of overseeing one of Australia’s largest drug syndicates.
Read more