A man has admitted to causing over £24,000 worth of damage after crashing his car into the gates of Buckingham Palace in Westminster. Johnny Scott, 26, from Hornchurch, east London, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and pleaded guilty to criminal damage.
Incident Details
The incident occurred in the early hours of March 9, 2024, at around 2:30 a.m., when Scott drove his Volkswagen Polo into the south center gate of the royal residence. Witnesses reported hearing a “loud bang” as the vehicle struck the gates, causing £24,493 worth of damage. The gates, adorned with scaffolding and wooden panels, remain under repair.
Armed officers responded to the scene and arrested Scott, who appeared “fidgety and dazed” at the time. According to prosecutor Laila Cunningham, Scott made incoherent statements, saying, “I have to fix this and these c****,” but did not elaborate further. No members of the royal family were in residence during the crash, and no injuries were reported.
Court Appearance
During the court proceedings, District Judge Annabel Pilling informed Scott that a community-based penalty might be more appropriate than a prison sentence. “You will be given credit for entering a guilty plea at an early opportunity,” the judge noted.
Scott was released on conditional bail pending his next court appearance, scheduled for February 13. Medical reports have been ordered to assist in determining the appropriate sentence.
Police Statement
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that there were no injuries during the incident. A spokesperson added, “The gates were heavily damaged, but no members of the royal family or staff were present at the time.
Witness Accounts
Footage shared on social media showed the aftermath of the crash, with Scott kneeling behind his car as armed police surrounded him, instructing him to place his hands on his head. Passersby described the scene as dramatic, with one witness stating, “I heard a loud bang and saw armed police surrounding the car.”
Next Steps
The court will consider Scott’s mental health and other factors in determining his sentence next month. For now, Scott remains on conditional bail as repair work on the iconic gates continues.
