Anti-Ulez Activist Jailed 15 Years for Bombing Roadside Camera

A vigilante activist who opposed the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) scheme has been jailed for 15 years after detonating a homemade bomb that destroyed a roadside camera. The explosion, which occurred on December 6, 2023, in Sidcup, south-east London, sent shrapnel flying over 100 meters, damaging nearby cars and a child's bedroom window. Authorities described the incident as a "deliberate and dangerous attack" that could have resulted in fatalities.

Kevin Rees, 63, a retired electrician, was found guilty of causing an explosion to endanger life following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court. CCTV footage captured the moment the device detonated, causing sparks to rain down and car alarms to activate.

During the trial, Rees admitted to strongly opposing the Ulez scheme and London Mayor Sadiq Khan. He told jurors, "I dislike him, dislike what he has done to London." Rees had established an online group where he celebrated the destruction of Ulez cameras, referring to himself as "The Exterminator" on Facebook Messenger.

Investigators determined that Rees traveled from his home to the camera's location, planted the device, and fled the scene. Forensic analysis revealed the explosive was made of "black powder," a mixture of sulfur, potassium nitrate, and charcoal. Counter-terror officers were involved due to the violent, politically motivated nature of the attack.

During a search of Rees's home, police discovered materials consistent with explosive composition, including aluminum powder and iron oxide. Further searches uncovered three homemade stun guns, for which Rees was convicted on three counts of possessing a prohibited weapon.

Rees initially denied involvement, suggesting his arrest was related to his participation in "anti-Ulez" Facebook groups. He told officers his arrest might be connected to "anti-Ulez sites" and that he assumed it was due to "inappropriate comments" made online.

Detective Superintendent James Derham stated that Rees "showed a complete disregard for the welfare and safety of the people" in the area. Bethan David, head of the Crown Prosecution Service's counter-terrorism division, emphasized that the act was not mere protest but a planned attack. "Whatever his views on the Ulez scheme, Kevin Rees crossed a serious line by constructing a homemade bomb and detonating it in a public place," David said. "It was pure chance that no-one suffered serious injury or worse."