Canberra Pipe Bomb Discoveries Lead to Arrest, Accused Pleads Not Guilty
Fifteen pipe bombs were discovered along public footpaths near Lake Ginninderra in Belconnen, Canberra, between January 13 and 15. Following an investigation, Damien Paul O'Brien, 41, was arrested and charged in connection with the alleged manufacture of the devices.
Authorities stated the incident is not being treated as an act of terrorism, and no injuries or property damage were reported. Mr. O'Brien has pleaded not guilty to one of the charges and remains in custody.
Discovery of Explosive Devices
ACT Policing reported the discovery of 15 explosive devices along a 1.5-kilometer park area near Lake Ginninderra in Belconnen. This area, popular with the public, includes dog beaches, a cycling park, and walking trails, specifically located between Joynton Smith Drive and Ginninderra Drive.
The initial 11 devices were found on January 13 and 14, with four additional devices located on January 15, bringing the total to 15. Images released by police depicted the devices as silver, pipe-shaped objects with screw tops, sized to fit in a person's hand.
Some of the pipe bombs had detonated prior to their discovery, while others were subsequently detonated by police. Crucially, no injuries or property damage were reported in connection with the devices.
Police Response and Public Safety Advisory
Upon the initial discoveries, ACT Policing issued a public warning. Individuals were advised not to approach or touch suspicious items and were instructed to contact Triple Zero (000) immediately if such objects were found, specifically cautioning against transporting them to police stations. Individuals witnessing suspicious behavior were advised to contact police on 131 444.
Police cleared the immediate area between Ginninderra Drive and Joynton Smith Drive, deploying sniffer dogs to assist in the search for additional devices. Detective Acting Inspector Anna Wronski emphasized the inherent danger of any explosive device and the seriousness of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities stated there were no general concerns for people to avoid the broader Lake Ginninderra area but reiterated the importance of reporting any suspicious findings. Police also indicated that no similar devices had been found in other parts of Canberra.
Investigation and Arrest
An investigation into the origin of the devices was initiated, with authorities treating the matter seriously. Detective Acting Inspector Wronski clarified that the incident was not being treated as an act of terrorism, and commenting on the motivation for leaving the devices in public spaces would be inappropriate at this stage.
Police investigations led to the arrest of Damien Paul O'Brien, 41, at a unit in Gungahlin. Detective Sergeant Samuel Harris stated that Mr. O'Brien was known to police and is believed to have acted alone. He further indicated that authorities had not yet identified a motive but were confident that all placed devices had been located after an extensive search.
Police allege that Mr. O'Brien purchased and stole materials used to create the pipe bombs from a local hardware store, specifically the Bunnings in Belconnen. A subsequent search of his Belconnen residence reportedly uncovered items consistent with pipe bomb assembly.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Mr. O'Brien faces charges including unauthorized manufacture of a prohibited dangerous substance, possessing a prohibited weapon, and theft. He appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court, where his defence lawyer, James McGuire, stated that Mr. O'Brien would plead not guilty to the charge of unauthorised manufacture of a prohibited dangerous substance. Pleas for the other charges have not yet been entered.
The court was informed that an explosives expert is preparing a report concerning the viability of the homemade devices. Mr. O'Brien has remained in custody since his arrest. The matter is scheduled to return to the ACT Magistrates Court on March 24 for a mention.
Related Incidents
ACT Policing confirmed four separate reports of explosive devices in the vicinity of Tantangara Street in Duffy. These devices were reported between December 15 and January 15, were rendered safe, and seized by police. Inquiries into their source are ongoing, but authorities have indicated no link between these incidents and the discoveries in Belconnen.