The 38-year-old hid the explosive device in his victim’s driveway
An Edgware man who planted a bomb under a car in a ‘cruel and calculated’ plot has been found guilty of attempted murder. Robert Kovacs, 38, hid the homemade explosive on the driveway of a Hertfordshire home on August 16 last year.
Police were called to Cowley Hill, in the Borehamwood area, shortly after midday following reports of a suspicious object. Officers put a 100m cordon in place as a precaution, before evacuating a number of neighbours to a reception centre.
Controlled explosions were then carried out following an assessment by the explosive ordnance unit. The item was declared safe and removed from the scene at 11pm.
Kovacs, of Tenby Road, was found guilty of attempted murder, making an explosive substance with intent, and acting with intent to cause explosion at St Albans Crown Court yesterday (March 3). He previously denied all the charges.
A judge will decide his sentence at a hearing scheduled for May 5.
Detective Inspector Caeva Taylor, of Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: “I am really pleased that, thanks to the dedicated work of our detectives – particularly Detective Sergeant David Taylor and his team – we have been able to get justice for our victim.
“This was a cruel, calculated and extremely serious crime. Kovacs went to great lengths to plan an act that could have had catastrophic consequences for the intended victim and innocent members of the public living nearby.
“I want to thank residents who were evacuated on the day for their patience and understanding during what must have been a very stressful experience. I also want to praise the bravery of the attending officers who ensured the safety of the wider community.”
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