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Edward Mattison’s lethal hobby was discovered when he detonated another home-made device that blew off the doors of his parents’ garage.
The college dropout was later linked to other blasts, including one that killed a sheep in a field and one in woods that was heard miles away.
Mattison, 21, who had trawled the internet for information on making bombs, kept various chemicals in a trunk in his bedroom. The former A- level chemistry student mixed the ingredients, including potassium nitrate and magnesium, to create powerful devices. He kept a bottle of his explosive in the kitchen fridge at his family’s £450,000 home in Worsley, Greater Manchester.
Police said that the mix was so volatile that an accidental shove of the fridge could have caused an explosion that would have destroyed every home in the cul-de-sac.
When police examined his computer they discovered that Mattison also had pornographic images of children.
He has admitted three charges of possessing an explosive substance and one of causing an explosion. He also pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday to five counts of making indecent pseudo-photographs of children. He will be sentenced for all the offences in October.
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