Angry client found with explosives

A man caught with homemade explosives and detonators after threatening his addictions services case worker claims the explosives were for goldmining.

Wayne Andrew Bright, 46, called his case worker at Wairau Hospital Addiction Services, in Blenheim, about 9.30am on May 18.

He was frustrated his requests were not met and became angry, a police summary said.

Bright said he hoped someone came into the case worker’s office like they did in the Ashburton Work and Income shootings, referring to when Peggy Noble and Susan Cleveland were killed by disgruntled client Russell John Tully in 2014.

‘‘When I’ve had enough I’ll just grab the shells and a gun and turn up and I won’t give any warning’’, the summary recorded him as saying.

The case worker reported his threat to police. Police searched Bright’s house in Picton two weeks later.

They found 1 kilogram of explosive powder, in an icecream container, a flask, a jar and a sealable plastic bag.

They also found a remote control detonator and two other detonators, and a length of cord coated with explosive powder and wrapped in aluminium foil.

Bright also had two rounds of .22 ammunition.

He admitted referring to the Ashburton Work and Income shooting on the phone to his case worker, but denied saying he would bring in a firearm.

Bright told police he made explosives to blow up rock for a friend who was goldmining.

He explained how they worked and added he could easily make firearms as well, and showed them some equipment he could use to build a gun.

Bright admitted charges of threatening language and unlawful possession of explosives at the Blenheim District Court on Wednesday.

‘‘I think that has been said out of context,’’ he told Judge Chris Tuohy after the summary was read. ‘‘It sounds not very good.’’

His lawyer John Holdaway said there was no ‘‘ulterior motive’’ behind Bright’s explosives.

Bright said he was upset because the case worker kept getting his prescriptions wrong and was not trying to threaten him.

‘‘I was just saying that the lady in Ashburton was making the same mistake.

‘‘I don’t mind pleading guilty to this but they’ve got the story wrong. I don’t threaten anyone.’’

Judge Tuohy asked police prosecutor Mark Harris if there was any reason to think the explosives were linked to Bright’s threat.

Harris said the charges were separate and there was no direct link.

Judge Tuohy said in that case, his main concern was that Bright was manufacturing explosives at home.

‘‘This requires a sort of punitive response such as community work to convey to Mr Bright that his behaviour on both counts is unacceptable.’’

Holdaway said Bright could struggle with the physical nature of community work as he was terminally ill.

A pre-sentencing report could determine whether community detention was a more suitable sentence, he said.

Judge Tuohy remanded Bright on bail to October 2 for sentencing.