Sidcup ULEZ camera blast trial for Kevin Rees

Trial of Kevin Rees for Explosive Device Incident

Kevin Rees, 63, is on trial for allegedly making and planting an explosive device that destroyed a ULEZ camera on Willersley Avenue on December 6, 2023, according to London Now.

Details of the Incident

Prosecutor Simon Denison KC informed Woolwich Crown Court that the bomb consisted of a metal cylinder filled with explosive powder. After another activist cut down the camera with a chainsaw, Mr. Denison stated that Rees drove from his home on Harcourt Avenue, planted the device, lit the fuse, and drove away.

The explosion’s force caused houses to shake, shrapnel damaged a parked van, and “ripped through” the door of a passing car, narrowly missing a passenger. A child’s bedroom window, located 28 meters from the blast, was damaged, with the blind torn down and debris scattered inside. Fortunately, the room was unoccupied at the time.

Another piece of metal from the camera caused damage to a home on Shuttle Close, over 100 meters away. Mr. Denison remarked, “No one was in fact caused any injury by this explosion, but it is pure chance that that is so. Someone could so easily have been very seriously injured.”

Rees’ Denial and Arrest

Rees, who is observing the proceedings via video link from home, denies the charge of causing an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property. The explosion occurred around 6:15 PM and was witnessed by a man walking with his partner. The witness described seeing a man light a cylinder, causing an orange spark, and then place it on the ground before quickly walking away.

The witness characterized the explosion as “a massive bang, the noise was so loud and intense that it felt like it caused me to jolt forward.” Forensic scientists found low levels of chemicals associated with an explosive known as “black powder,” commonly used in commercial fireworks.

Rees was arrested on the morning of December 18, 2023, while dropping his wife at Sidcup Station. When informed of his arrest on suspicion of causing an explosion, he asked, “Has this got something to do with the ULEZ Facebook sites I was using?”

Evidence Found at Rees’ Home

During a search of his home, police discovered packages containing aluminum powder and iron oxide, which can create the low explosive composition thermite. In his loft, officers found a price list for various chemicals dated June 2011, with marks next to some chemicals that could be used to manufacture explosives. Mr. Denison stated, “He was clearly a man who had an active interest in chemicals which could be used to make homemade explosives.”

Police also found three homemade stun guns, and Rees denies three additional charges of possessing a prohibited weapon related to these items.

Social Media Activity

Mr. Denison noted that police examined Rees’ social media, which showed him as someone strongly opposed to ULEZ cameras and the ULEZ scheme. He informed others about new cameras and encouraged the damage or destruction of ULEZ cameras, celebrating when it occurred.

Rees created a Facebook group called “Ulez Camaras” [sic] and warned members to “be really careful, sure the bill look at these sites.” In September 2023, someone messaged Rees asking for help with trimming trees, to which he replied, “Google Julies maps theres [sic] links to all the trees that need pruning.”

Mr. Denison explained that “trees” and “pruning” are terms commonly used in anti-ULEZ posts to refer to camera poles and cutting them down. Julies maps is a site that shows the location of every ULEZ camera.

In November 2023, Rees messaged someone saying, “That thing I made on the pole is mad. I’m making a less powerful one.” He received a reply: “Lol, you’re the Terminator.” Rees responded: “The Exterminator.”

On his phone, police found deleted photos of the camera on Willersley Avenue being installed, as well as screenshots of Facebook posts about the explosion. CCTV captured the individual who planted the bomb, but Rees denies that the person in the footage is him. Mr. Denison told the jury, “The defendant denies that he was the person who caused the explosion.”

Summary of Key Facts