A dangerous Edgware man who planted a homemade pipe bomb under a woman's car in a targeted attack has been sentenced to 29 years in prison. Robert Kovacs, 39, hid the explosive device on the driveway of a Hertfordshire home on August 16 last year in what a judge described as a 'real attempt to kill someone'.
Bomb Disposal and Evacuation
Police flooded Cowley Hill, in the Borehamwood area, shortly after midday following reports of a suspicious object outside the property. Neighbours were forced to evacuate behind a 100-metre cordon as the bomb squad carried out controlled explosions. Police spent around 11 hours securing the residential area until the device was declared safe.
Arrest and Conviction
Kovacs, who was known to the intended victim, was arrested two days later by major crime detectives and remanded into custody. In March, a jury found him guilty of attempted murder, making an explosive substance with intent, and acting with intent to cause an explosion.
Kovacs, formerly of Tenby Road, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on May 21. Handing down his decision, Judge Jonathan Mann said: 'This was a device, which you crafted in such a way that it would explode, and was a real attempt to kill someone by using a bomb.'
Police Reaction
Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Caeva Taylor, added: 'This was a deliberate, targeted and extremely dangerous act that had the potential to cause serious harm or death. It was incredibly fortunate that the device was discovered before it detonated.'
Taylor continued: 'I welcome the conviction and sentence handed down, which reflects the seriousness of these offences, and I hope that the intended victim and their family have some reassurance that he will remain in prison for a considerable period of time.'
