Would-be bomber jailed after repeatedly lacing Gold Coast car yard with homemade explosives

A would-be bomber who repeatedly planted home-made explosives in a Gold Coast caryard after a disagreement has been jailed for three years.

Jamie Ripley was found guilty of breaking into the von Bibra Holden Robina site and placing pipe bombs underneath cars.

One explosive device was found attached to a petrol tank.

Dealership staff were evacuated from the site and Bomb Squad was called to the scene multiple times over a two-month period in 2013.

The 38-year-old told police he continued making the bombs as he was “determined to see one explode”, after two out of three didn’t work.

The catalyst for Ripley's vendetta was the caryard’s refusal to fix the Nissan ute Ripley he had purchased from them, despite the disgruntled customer modifying the vehicle twice and thereby voiding its warranty.

The father-of-two was exposed when he boasted to his housemate about the pipe bombs.

“In this day and age, the idea of terrorism is so frequently reported, it is a cause of genuine concern for people,” Judge Julie Dick said.

Ripley made no comment as he exited the court.

His lawyer said the family had anticipated jail time.

“It was expected – I think they prepared for it fairly well, and they’ll just bide their time,” Ripley’s solicitor Sam Jackson said.