Man jailed for 29 years for hiding pipe bomb under car in Borehamwood
Robert Kovacs, 39, was previously found guilty of attempted murder
A man has been jailed for 29 years, after making a homemade pipe bomb and hiding it underneath a car in Borehamwood.
Robert Kovacs (39), of Tenby Road in Edgware, appeared at St Albans Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday 21 May.
He had previously been found guilty of attempted murder, and of making an explosive substance with intent and acting with intent to cause an explosion.
The court heard how police attended Cowley Hill in Borehamwood last August, after reports a suspicious object had been placed underneath a vehicle on a driveway.
Surrounding properties had to be evacuated as a precaution while an investigation, led by specialist officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, took place.
Kovacs, who was known to the intended victim, was arrested two days later.
HHJ Mann KC, sentencing Kovacs, said: “This was a pre-planned real attempt to kill someone using a bomb.
“This was a device, which you crafted it in such a way that it would explode, and was a real attempt to kill someone by using a bomb.”
Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Caeva Taylor, said: “This was a deliberate, targeted and extremely dangerous act that had the potential to cause serious harm or death.
“It was incredibly fortunate that the device was discovered before it detonated.
“I hope that the intended victim and their family have some reassurance that he will remain in prison for a considerable period of time.”