Perth hills man claims ‘homemade explosives’ were for pest control

A 42-year-old man allegedly found with 10 homemade explosives at his High Wycombe home said he used them for pest control.

Karl Davey’s home was raided on Thursday after he was no longer considered a fit and proper person to hold a firearms licence, but failed to hand over his guns to police.

WA Police allege that during the search they uncovered dangerous devices made from batteries, nangs, gunpowder and repellents, as well as improperly stored firearms, large quantities of ammunition and a stun gun.

Davey’s lawyer said he threw the explosives into rabbit burrows on a farm for pest control.

Judge Gavin MacLean denied Davey bail yesterday after refusing to allow WA Police access to his mobile phone and computers.

“His refusal to provide access is part of the overall situation that gives me concern that something is going on here,” he said.

MacLean said he wasn’t sure whether the items found in the home were “a McGyer-like situation gone wrong” or “something worse.”