Man jailed 15 years for Sidcup ULEZ camera bomb
Explosion damaged homes and cars over 100m away, with a child's bedroom window frame affected.
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Kevin Rees, 63, has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment after detonating a homemade explosive device next to a ULEZ camera in Sidcup in December 2023. The explosion, which occurred on December 6 2023, caused damage to cars and houses more than 100 metres away, with shrapnel impacting a child's bedroom window frame. Rees was convicted in January at Woolwich Crown Court of causing an explosion likely to endanger life.
Terrorism Connection and Wide-Ranging Damage
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During sentencing at the Old Bailey, Judge Anthony Bate ruled that the offence had a terrorism connection. This determination resulted in a more severe sentence and stricter controls upon Rees's eventual release. The blast was of such force that it propelled parts of the device over 100 metres, damaging a car's passenger side and a nearby house. People in adjacent properties reported feeling their buildings shake. The judge stated that it was "pure chance no one was killed or caused injury" by the explosion.
The court heard that Rees, a retired electrical appliances engineer, placed the device, constructed from a metal cylinder filled with black explosive powder and a fuse, next to a ULEZ camera in Willersley Avenue, Sidcup. He lit the fuse and left the scene. The camera itself had already been disabled earlier that day. A witness saw Rees walking away quickly after planting the device.
Investigation and Motive
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Police arrested Rees on December 18 2023, after identifying him as a suspect. A search of his home uncovered chemicals suitable for making explosives and three homemade stun guns. Evidence of social media posts encouraging the damage of ULEZ cameras was also found. Rees had been a member of online groups campaigning against ULEZ cameras. He told jurors he believed his arrest was due to his activity in these "anti-Ulez" groups.
During the trial, Rees stated he "strongly opposed" the ULEZ scheme and the Mayor of London. His defence lawyer indicated Rees had a "personal grievance" against the cameras and had been mentally unwell since his conviction. He was also given concurrent three-year sentences for possessing prohibited weapons.
Siwan Hayward, TfL's director of security, policing and enforcement, described Rees's actions as "a reckless and highly dangerous act that could have caused serious harm and resulted in the loss of life." Detective Chief Superintendent James Derham of the Met Police added that Rees showed "a complete disregard for the welfare and safety of the people" in the area.
What happens next
Rees will be eligible for parole consideration after serving part of his 15-year sentence. The judge noted that he will be in his 70s by the time he is first considered for release. Stricter controls will be in place following his release due to the terrorism connection ruling.
Questions this report answers
+Why was Kevin Rees jailed?
Kevin Rees was jailed for 15 years for causing an explosion likely to endanger life. He detonated a homemade explosive device next to a ULEZ camera in Sidcup on December 6 2023, damaging nearby properties and vehicles.
+What damage did the explosion cause?
The explosion damaged cars and houses over 100 metres away from the ULEZ camera. Shrapnel from the blast hit a child's bedroom window frame, and a car had its tyre blown out.
+Why was the sentence so long?
The judge ruled that the offence had a terrorism connection. This classification led to a tougher sentence and stricter controls being imposed on Rees after his release from prison.
+What did police find at Rees's home?
Upon arresting Kevin Rees, police searched his home and found chemicals that could be used to make explosives. They also discovered three homemade stun guns and evidence of social media posts encouraging damage to ULEZ cameras.
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