Bexley men jailed for shooting, ULEZ bombing and monkey torture

Four men have received substantial prison sentences for a series of serious crimes committed across south London. The sentences cover a shooting outside a Bexleyheath nightclub, the bombing of a ULEZ camera in Sidcup, leading a network dedicated to animal cruelty, and indecent exposure on public transport.

Bexleyheath Nightclub Shooting

Marvin Bulle, 33, and Carlos Parks, 35, have been jailed following a shooting outside a Bexleyheath nightclub on January 4. The victim, aged 30, was shot in the face at point-blank range after what police described as a minor altercation as he left the venue. He sustained critical injuries, including a bullet lodged in his spine, and spent eight days in intensive care. Detective Inspector Raymond Sekalongo called the victim's survival a "miracle". Bulle was captured on camera firing the gun and was sentenced to 35 years for attempted murder. Parks served as the getaway driver, crashing his vehicle approximately 100 metres from the scene, and received 20 years imprisonment for grievous bodily harm with intent.

ULEZ Camera Bombing

Kevin Rees, 64, from Sidcup, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for using a homemade bomb to destroy a ULEZ camera. The explosion occurred on Willersley Avenue in Sidcup around 6.45pm on December 6, 2023. Rees was found guilty of causing an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property. The device, constructed from a metal cylinder filled with explosive powder, caused shrapnel to damage a parked van and a passing car. A child's bedroom window frame was also damaged by debris. A judge concluded Rees's actions had a "terrorist connection".

Monkey Torture Network

Bartosz Poklek, 30, of Abbey Wood, has been sentenced to three years and three months for his role as the ringleader of an international network involved in torturing and killing monkeys. The network distributed graphic videos of animal cruelty, with Poklek reportedly writing scripts for the torture and directing the methods of killing. Some animals were allegedly dressed as babies during the abuse. Judge Christopher Grout described the case as "despicable" and stated he had "never encountered such a horrific case of animal abuse". The judge noted that Poklek would serve approximately one-third of his sentence and suggested current penalties for animal cruelty, which have a five-year maximum, may be insufficient.

Indecent Exposure on Trains

Roman Scott, 35, from Sutton, has been jailed for six months for five counts of exposure on trains between December 14 and December 15 last year. Scott committed the offences on multiple journeys, including boarding a train at Victoria station, travelling from Southampton to Bournemouth, and on a train to Manchester. He exposed himself to several women and made sexual advances. Rail staff identified Scott as the same individual involved in an incident in a ladies' toilet in Bournemouth.

What Happens Next

The individuals sentenced will begin serving their prison terms. For Bartosz Poklek, the judge indicated he would be eligible for release after serving around a third of his sentence. The case of ULEZ camera bombing has led to a judicial comment on the adequacy of current sentencing for animal cruelty.