Navy member to be sentenced over explosive

Guilty pleas have been entered on behalf of an Australian navy employee, after an explosive was allegedly found in his Sydney apartment.

Gareth Etherden was charged with numerous offences including one count of possessing an explosive for an unlawful purpose in May, more than a year after the bomb disposal unit was called to his North Strathfield home.

The 26-year-old's defence barrister Wali Shukoor on Wednesday entered pleas to the explosives charge as well as a weapons offence in the Downing Centre Local Court.

Three other weapons charges have been dropped, and Etherden is due to be sentenced on July 20.