Just curious why this didn't seem to catch many people's attention? After all, if a few Somalis and a Lebanese guy send sms's to eachother whilst driving past an army base, surely this guy cooking up explosives in his West Melbourne home should be news???

Ahhh sorry, he's not Muslim... I forgot. Just put it down to 'mentally unstable' shall we?

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UPDATE 4.03pm: A MAN charged with making explosives in Melbourne's west has been taking anti- depressants, a court has heard.

Russell Heard, 46, of Wyndham Vale, faced the Melbourne Magistrates' Court today charged with explosives offences.

Police allegedly discovered the explosive materials during a raid while carrying out a search warrant about 6pm yesterday.

The court was told Heard is on anti-depressant medication and should be assessed by a doctor.

Magistrate Lance Martin suppressed publication of Heard's image after the court heard identity might be an issue in the case. (AR: Lucky he's not Muslim, or his photo and all his family's photos as well as his religion of course and many other personal facts would be all over the news)

Heard is charged with making an explosive substance with intent to damage property and possessing an explosive substance with intent to cause serious injury to property.

He made no application for bail and was remanded in custody to reappear in the same court on October 29 for committal mention.

In a media statement earlier today, police said they believed they had uncovered a clandestine laboratory for the use and manufacture of explosive substances and had seized chemicals and apparatus from the home.

Detectives stumbled upon the clandestine laboratory during a search of Mr Heard's house.

Arson and explosives squad members were called to the house and seized chemicals and apparatus.

Source: The Australian