£24,000 Damage After Man Crashes into Buckingham Palace Gates
A 26-year-old man has pleaded guilty after smashing his car into the iconic Buckingham Palace gates, causing over £24,000 worth of damage. Johnny Scott, from Hornchurch, East London, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Crash in the Early Hours
The shocking incident took place at around 2:30 a.m. on March 9, 2024. Scott drove his Volkswagen Polo into the south centre gate of the royal residence. Witnesses heard a loud bang as the vehicle struck the gates, which are currently shrouded in scaffolding and wooden panels due to ongoing repairs.
The crash caused £24,493 damage. Armed officers rushed to the scene and arrested Scott, who appeared “fidgety and dazed.” Prosecutor Laila Cunningham revealed Scott made strange statements at the time, including, “I have to fix this and these c****,” but offered no explanation.
Thankfully, no members of the royal family were inside the palace, and no one was injured in the smash.
Court Hears Guilty Plea, Community Sentence Possible
During Scott’s court appearance, District Judge Annabel Pilling suggested a community sentence might be more suitable than jail. “You will be given credit for entering a guilty plea at an early opportunity,” the judge said.
Scott was released on conditional bail until his next hearing on February 13. The court has ordered medical reports to help decide the final sentence.
Police and Witness Reactions
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident caused no injuries. A spokesperson said, “The gates were heavily damaged, but no royal family members or staff were present.”
Viral footage shows Scott kneeling behind his car with armed police surrounding him, ordering him to put his hands on his head. Witnesses described the chaotic scene:
“I heard a loud bang and saw armed police surrounding the car,” said one passerby.
What’s Next?
Scott remains on bail as repair works continue on the palace gates. The court will consider his mental health and other factors before imposing a sentence next month.
