Friend Claims 'Outrageous' 15-Year Sentence for ULEZ Camera Bomber

A retired electrical engineer who detonated a homemade bomb to destroy a London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) camera has received an "outrageous" 15-year prison sentence, which his friend claims is the result of a "politically motivated" two-tier justice system. Kevin Rees, 63, an anti-ULEZ activist who also expressed opposition to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, used the device in December 2023, causing sparks and sending shrapnel over 100 meters, damaging a child's bedroom window and a playhouse.

Rees 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 lengthy sentence, which includes an additional year on license. His long-term friend, Paul Jenner, 57, described the punishment as unjust and questioned the severity compared to other crimes.

"This is an injustice, it is just so wrong," Jenner told the Daily Mail. "It is two-tier policing and a two-tier justice system. 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."

Footage captured by CCTV shows Rees planting the device and lighting a fuse. The Metropolitan Police stated it was "miraculous that nobody was killed or seriously injured." Detective Chief Superintendent James Derham added that Rees "showed a complete disregard for the welfare and safety of the people who live in, or were travelling through, the area at the time of the explosion – all because he was unhappy with the Ulez scheme."

During his trial, Rees denied involvement, claiming his arrest was related to his participation in "anti-Ulez" Facebook groups. He told jurors he joined these groups out of "boredom" and for a sense of community. Police searched Rees's home following his arrest on December 18, 2023, and found three homemade stun guns, for which he received a concurrent three-year sentence after admitting three counts of having a prohibited weapon.

Jenner also raised concerns about Rees's health, stating he was suffering from functional neurological disorder and was "extremely ill." He expressed worry about how Rees would cope with such a long prison term.

Bethan David, former head of the Crown Prosecution Service's counter-terrorism division, emphasized the deliberate and dangerous nature of the act. "This was a deliberate and dangerous attack involving a homemade explosive device, carried out in a residential street and designed to destroy public infrastructure," she said. "Kevin Rees knowingly and intentionally placed an explosive device next to the Ulez camera, lit the fuse and retreated before the explosion, showing clear planning and an obvious disregard for the safety of others."

Siwan Hayward, TfL's director of security, policing and enforcement, welcomed the sentencing, stating, "This was a reckless and highly dangerous act that could have caused serious harm and resulted in the loss of life. We welcome this sentencing and hope it acts as a warning to others."

The ULEZ scheme, which charges drivers based on vehicle emissions, was expanded to cover all of London in August 2023, leading to local opposition. Transport for London uses cameras to monitor vehicles entering the zone and enforce the daily charge.