Ulez camera blast accused fails to attend hearing

A man charged with causing the explosion of an Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) camera in south-east London has failed to attend the Old Bailey for his hearing.

Kevin Rees, 62, from Sidcup, was arrested by counter-terror police after a low-sophistication improvised explosive device (IED) blew up and damaged the camera in Willersley Avenue on 6 December 2023.

The defendant was charged with causing an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property.

No-one was injured during the explosion in Sidcup but vehicles and a residential property were damaged.

Mr Rees is also charged with three counts of possessing a prohibited weapon on or before 18 December 2023, as he allegedly "had in his possession a weapon designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or other thing".

The investigation into the incident was carried out by officers from the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command.

Lawyers discussed his case at a hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday and although he was listed to attend court in person Mr Rees was absent.

He is due to appear for a plea hearing on 11 April, with a provisional trial set for 5 January 2026 at Woolwich Crown Court.

He was granted bail under the condition that he would not engage in any Ulez-related protest.

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