BOMBS ‘TOO VOLATILE’
Norlane man in court after bomb squad drama Deadly devices filled with nails, cops claim
DEVICES filled with screws, nails and shotgun material were “too volatile” and had to be detonated by the bomb squad after they were found in a Norlane man’s car, a court heard yesterday.
Matt Corbett, 42, faced court on multiple charges stemming from the incident on Tuesday.
“They (the devices) can be used to cause significant harm, danger or death,” prosecutor Sergeant Peter Beard said.
POLICE claim screws, nails and shotgun material were found in two explosive devices which were deemed “too volatile” and detonated in a Norlane St, a court has been told.
The Geelong Magistrates’ Court was told 42-year-old Matt Corbett, from Norlane, was intercepted by patrolling officers on Tuesday.
When police searched his car, they allegedly uncovered two devices with what appeared to be wicks coming out the end.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Peter Beard told the court officers pulled Mr Corbett over around 10.30am along Rose Ave in Norlane.
Police opened the door of his Ford Falcon and claim they found an explosive device in the centre console and a second device elsewhere in the vehicle.
Sgt Beard said the bomb squad was called in to assess the explosive devices and had to shut down the street due to safety concerns.
The court was told the devices were deemed “too volatile” and had to be exploded safely.
It’s alleged police found a ziplock back of methamphetamine and cash in Mr Corbett’s pocket and later found a 30ml container of GHB in his car. The court was told police also seized two foldout knives and a tomahawk.
Sgt Beard said Mr Corbett was arrested and made no admissions of offending.
Mr Corbett spent two nights in custody before making a self-represented bail application in court yesterday.
He is charged with two counts of possessing an explosive device and manufacturing an explosive device, possessing methamphetamine, possessing GHB, possessing a prohibited weapons, possessing four controlled weapons and a breach of bail.
The prosecutor said police opposed bail because the items located had the potential to cause significant harm to the community.
“They can be used to cause significant harm, danger or death (and are) being transported around Geelong,” Sgt Beard said.
In applying for bail, Mr Corbett said the alleged incident was “not as it sounds” and said he would abide by any bail conditions.
But Magistrate David Starvaggi refused bail and instead remanded Mr Corbett in custody.
Mr Corbett is expected to return to court on November 8.