Australian is on trial for trying to collect the entire periodic table (2 photos)

24-year-old Sydney resident Emmanuel Lydden could spend up to ten years behind bars after attempting to fulfill every "science fanatic's" dream of collecting all the elements on the periodic table, including radioactive ones.





According to Australian media, in August 2023, Lydden ordered a parcel from the United States with a sample of plutonium. The radioactive substance was discovered at customs, alarming Australian Border Force (ABF) officers and triggering a large-scale operation involving police, firefighters and radiation safety specialists.

Although Lydden and his family were unharmed and radiation levels in their home were within normal limits, the incident led to Australia's first prosecution under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act.

Lydden's lawyers call him an "innocent collector" and a "science enthusiast", arguing that he had no malicious intent and merely wanted to add to his collection of elements, along with stamps and coins. He also insisted that he thought it was acceptable to keep such a small amount of plutonium. However, prosecutors insist that even such a "naive" interest contributes to the creation of a black market for dangerous substances.

According to the defense, Lydden purchased the plutonium from an American company called Luciteria, which previously offered microscopic samples of elements, including radioactive ones. The product has now been "withdrawn from sale".

After the investigation began, Lidden lost his job as a train driver and now works in fast food. The trial will be held on April 11 - Lidden admitted his guilt and hopes for a light sentence, despite the fact that he faces up to ten years in prison.