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Collecting all the elements on the periodic table may seem like a fascinating scientific challenge — but it can also be extremely dangerous. One man found this out the hard way when he tried to assemble his own collection and ended up dealing with highly controlled substances like uranium and cesium. The case nearly cost him 10 years in prison and sparked debate about the boundaries between amateur science and public safety.
A young Australian could face up to 10 years in prison after attempting to complete an unusual collection: gathering all the elements on the periodic table, including the radioactive ones.
Australian Emmanuel Lidden, 24, has avoided criminal conviction after pleading guilty to importing nuclear materials into Australia.
Instead of serving a sentence, he was given a suspended sentence for good behaviour. The decision was made by Judge Leonie Flannery at the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney. In other words, the judge found him guilty but did not believe he posed a threat and that there was extenuating circumstances.
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In 2023, Lidden had ordered small samples of uranium and plutonium online. The items were delivered to his parents' apartment in capital Australian.
The delivery of the package prompted a large-scale operation involving Australian Border Force officers, firefighters, police and paramedics, who cordoned off the area and treated the situation as a hazardous materials incident.
Chemical element collector
Defense attorney John Sutton argued during the trial that Lidden did not act in bad faith.
He described his client as a “science nerd” who was passionate about collecting elements from the periodic table. He said the young man had no malicious intent and no knowledge of the legal rigors surrounding the import of nuclear materials.
"It was a manifestation of self-control, withdrawing into the collection; it could have been anything, but in this case he clung to the periodic table.”, Sutton said. In March, during the sentencing hearing, the lawyer had already argued that the crimes were committed out of pure naivety.
The judge agreed with this view and noted that Lidden had mental health issues. She stressed that, despite the seriousness of the acts, there was no intention to cause harm or threaten public safety.
Criticism of the authorities’ actions
Following the ruling, the lawyer harshly criticized the conduct of the Australian Border Force.
He said the operation was disproportionate and poorly conducted, considering the small amounts involved.It was a terrible investigation for a number of reasons.,” Sutton said.We could eat them and still be perfectly fine."
He also questioned whether taking the case to court was in the public interest. He said scientists from around the world had expressed surprise at the accusation.
In response, Border Force Superintendent James Ryan defended the operation, saying the investigation was “extremely complex and sensitive” and reaffirming the agency’s commitment to community safety.
Unprecedented and educational case
Lidden is the first person to be prosecuted under Australia's nuclear non-proliferation laws. These rules were created to prevent threats such as weapons of mass destruction and acts of terrorism. Authorities say the case should serve as an educational example for the public about the limits on importing dangerous substances.
The young man had ordered the materials from a scientific website in the United States. According to Australian law, it is possible to import such items legally, as long as the interested party obtains prior authorization from the Office of Safeguards and Non-Proliferation.
