Fed: Fine for practical joke that caused bomb scare

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Fed: Fine for practical joke that caused bomb scare

CANBERRA, Dec 24 AAP - A man was today fined more than $1,000 after a practical jokewent wrong, resulting in a full-scale bomb scare at national defence offices last week.

Richard Edward Brogden, a delivery driver, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court andpleaded guilty to causing a public mischief, crown persecutor James Lawton said.

Mr Lawton said Mr Brogden admitted to building a fake bomb which he then planted undera co-workers truck.

"He was charged with causing a public mischief," Mr Lawton said.

"It was his last day at work before moving to Queensland and he placed a small blockof wood and attached two wires, one red, one blue under the truck at the front near theradiator."

Mr Lawton said Mr Brogden had expected the truck would go to the Defence Department'soffices at Russell to collect packages.

Magistrate Karen Fryar fined Mr Brogden $1,000 and ordered him to pay additional court costs.

Mr Brogden said he was a lucky man.

"It was a practical joke to a bloke at work," Mr Brogden told AAP.

"I think I got what I deserved actually, I am a very lucky man."

Russell Offices were evacuated and the police bomb squad was called.

Mr Lawton said the maximum penalty for such a crime was $2,000 or one year in prison.

AAP jwm/kjp/cd/sb

KEYWORD: BROGDEN