Home / Crime and Justice / Fake Bomb Near US Embassy: Man Acquitted
Fake Bomb Near US Embassy: Man Acquitted
20 Nov
Summary
- Man acquitted of hoax bomb threat near US Embassy.
- Device called 'sophisticated graffiti art,' not a bomb.
- Defendant has Autistic Spectrum Disorder, court heard.
A man accused of leaving a fake explosive device near the US Embassy in London has been acquitted of making a hoax bomb threat. The 44-year-old defendant described the item, an iPad with taped wires, as 'sophisticated graffiti art' intended as a 'gift.' The incident triggered an embassy lockdown and road closures as bomb disposal experts responded.
Following a trial, the jury found the man not guilty of placing an article with intent. His defense argued he did not intend to cause alarm, believing embassy staff would recognize the item was not a real explosive. Evidence presented to the court included details about the contents of the device and related items.
A clinical psychologist testified that the defendant has Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which can affect how individuals predict others' reactions. The defendant admitted leaving the items but denied it was a bomb hoax, maintaining it was a non-vandalistic form of art.
