Friend Claims Jail Sentence for ULEZ Camera Bomber is 'Outrageous'

A retired electrical engineer jailed for 15 years for destroying a London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) camera with a homemade bomb has been subjected to a 'politically motivated' justice system, according to a close friend.

Kevin Rees, 63, an anti-ULEZ activist who also expressed opposition to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, detonated the device in south London in December 2023. He was convicted of causing an explosion with intent to endanger life. The judge at the Old Bailey determined the offense had a 'terrorism connection,' leading to the significant sentence, which includes an additional year on license.

Paul Jenner, Rees's friend of 50 years, described the punishment as 'outrageous' and a manifestation of 'two-tier policing and a two-tier justice system.' Jenner argued that the act, while wrong, was an 'anti-ULEZ act' rather than a 'political ideological terrorist act.' He drew comparisons to other sentences, stating, 'Anyone with half a brain will see that this is not a political ideological terrorist act, it's an anti-ULEZ act. Was it stupid? Yes. Was it wrong? Yes. But how is it that you can rape a child or stab someone in the face and get more or less the same time in jail.'

The explosion caused sparks to fall and sent shrapnel over 100 meters, damaging a child's bedroom window. The Metropolitan Police stated it was 'miraculous that nobody was killed or seriously injured.' CCTV footage captured the detonation.

During his trial, Rees admitted to operating an online group that celebrated the destruction of ULEZ cameras and using the moniker 'The Exterminator' on Facebook Messenger. He acknowledged to the court that he 'strongly opposed' the ULEZ scheme and Mayor Khan at the time of the incident. Jenner asserted that Rees is not a terrorist and has been 'fitted up,' suggesting the jury was unaware of the terrorism connection that would influence the sentencing.

Jenner also mentioned that Rees suffers from functional neurological disorder and is an 'extremely ill man,' raising concerns about his ability to cope with a lengthy prison sentence. Stun guns were also discovered at Rees's home during a police search.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Derham of the Metropolitan Police emphasized the severity of Rees's actions, noting his 'complete disregard for the welfare and safety of the people' in the area. He highlighted that a bus narrowly avoided being hit by debris.

The ULEZ scheme, which charges drivers for using more polluting vehicles within London, has faced opposition since its expansion across all boroughs in 2023. Transport for London (TfL) uses cameras to enforce the scheme and issue fines.

Investigators determined that Rees drove to Shuttle Close, planted the device, and fled before the explosion. He was arrested on December 18, 2023. Police analyzed his social media activity, which showed numerous posts about ULEZ cameras and encouragement for their damage. Rees admitted to joining anti-ULEZ Facebook groups out of 'boredom' and for a sense of community.

Bethan David, former head of the Crown Prosecution Service's counter-terrorism division, stated that the act was a 'deliberate and dangerous attack involving a homemade explosive device' and that Rees 'crossed a serious line.' She added that it was 'pure chance that no-one suffered serious injury, or worse,' and expressed hope that the conviction sends a message to others considering taking the law into their own hands.

Rees also pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing a prohibited weapon, receiving a concurrent three-year sentence. Siwan Hayward, TfL's director of security, policing and enforcement, called the act 'reckless and highly dangerous' and welcomed the sentencing as a warning to others, stating that tampering with TfL property is unacceptable and risks public safety.