An explosive device used to destroy a ULEZ camera in Sidcup, southeast London, had such immense power that it projected shrapnel over 100 meters away, reaching a child’s bedroom, a court was informed.
Kevin Rees, aged 63, is facing allegations of creating and planting the bomb on Willersley Avenue on December 6, 2023. The prosecution stated that the bomb, fashioned from a metal cylinder and explosive powder, had the potential to cause serious harm to individuals in the vicinity.
Apart from damaging nearby properties, the explosive force was strong enough to penetrate a child’s bedroom window and scatter debris inside the room.
According to prosecutor Simon Denison KC, Rees purportedly traveled from his residence on Harcourt Avenue and planted the device at the camera location before detonating it remotely. The blast, which occurred after Rees had left the scene, caused tremors in the surrounding area.
Shrapnel from the explosion struck a parked van and tore through a passing car’s door, narrowly missing the occupant. Additionally, a child’s bedroom situated 28 meters away suffered damage, including a torn blind and scattered debris, although thankfully no one was present in the room at the time.
Notably, a fragment from the camera was propelled over 100 meters, causing damage to a residence on Shuttle Close. Denison highlighted that it was fortunate no injuries occurred as a result.
While no injuries were reported, Denison emphasized that the outcome could have been different, as the explosion had the potential to cause serious harm. Witnesses described hearing a loud bang and feeling the intense shockwave from the detonation.
Forensic analysis revealed the presence of chemicals commonly found in “black powder” explosives, typically used in fireworks, supporting the assertion that homemade explosive materials were utilized.
Further investigation at Rees’ residence uncovered packages containing aluminum powder and iron oxide, ingredients for creating the low explosive thermite. Additionally, a document detailing chemical prices from 2011, with markings indicating their potential for homemade explosives, was found.
Rees refutes the charges of causing an explosion endangering life or property damage, as well as possessing a prohibited weapon. Denison informed the jury that Rees denies responsibility for the explosion.
The trial is ongoing.