A man who crashed a car into the gates of Buckingham Palace causing almost £25,000 in damages has pleaded guilty.
Johnny Scott, 26, of Dalewood Close, Hornchurch, is charged with damaging the south centre gate on March 9, 2024.
The 26-year-old appeared “fidgety and dazed” after he drove his VW Polo into the gate, Westminster Magistrates Court heard.
He was arrested at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage, and he was taken to hospital and sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Screengrab from video of workman about to remove a car outside Buckingham Palace
PA
The Met Police said that there were no injuries following the incident outside the royal residence.
A spokesman for the force said: “At approximately 2.33am on Saturday, 09 March a car collided with the gates of Buckingham Palace.
“Armed officers arrested a man at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage. He was taken to hospital.
“There were no reports of any injuries. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances.”
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Emergency services outside the palace following the incident
PA
Prosecutor Laila Cunningham told the court today: “He did appear fidgety and dazed and said ‘I have to fix this and these c****’.
“He did not elaborate on these statements.
“He is of good character.”
No members of the Royal Family were in residence when the collision happened, a palace spokesman said at the time.
District judge Annabel Pilling told Scott that he may be unlikely to face prison and that a community-based penalty could be an “appropriate” sentence.
No members of the royal family were in residence when the collision happened
Getty
She said: “You have entered a guilty plea today.
“You will be given credit for that as you have given a guilty plea at a very early opportunity.”
Medical reports were ordered before Scott’s next appearance at the same court on February 13.
Scott was released on conditional bail.
