Police first became aware of Michael Pym-Nixson, 54, after paramedics were called to his home to treat him for burn injuries.
Because of the suspicious circumstances, police launched an investigation, led by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command.
No terrorism connection was subsequently found.
There was no evidence which indicated that Pym-Nixson was creating explosive material for any malign purpose, or had any intention to make an improvised explosive device (IED).
On the evening of Friday, March 19, paramedics were called to Pym-Nixson’s address in St. George's Road, Kingston-Upon-Thames.
He needed treatment for burns to his left hand, which he said were caused by a firework accidentally igniting.
The following day, officers visited the flat to check on Pym-Nixson’s welfare and he spoke to the officers, but did not let them into his house.
On the morning of Sunday, March 21, officers returned to the flat to conduct a search of the property and arrest Pym-Nixson.
Specialist officers from the Met's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit remained at the scene throughout the week-long search.
They found large quantities of chemicals used to make explosive material in his house and shed.
On the day Pym-Nixson injured himself, he caused three small explosions by mixing these substances.
After making local enquiries, people in neighbouring properties subsequently told police they had heard loud bangs.
These weren’t reported to police.
Officers also discovered hand-written notes detailing the quantities of the substances needed to make explosives and how-to videos online that Pym-Nixson had saved.
Pym-Nixson initially pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing explosive substances.
He will be sentenced on December 10.
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