In a wild turn of events, a dad from Horsham finds himself in hot water after taking an angle grinder to a ULEZ camera in southeast London. Stephen Harwood-Stamper’s “moment of madness” cost him his engineering job and sparked embarrassment for his family. The 63-year-old, now working as a labourer, faced Woolwich Crown Court, admitting to criminal damage.
Back on December 6, 2023, Harwood-Stamper took matters into his own hands by cutting down the camera pole, although a separate incident involving an explosive device wasn’t linked to him. Despite his apology detailing the shame brought upon his three successful children, the court wasn’t lenient.
Handed a community order and 80 hours of unpaid work, Harwood-Stamper also has to fork out £2,467 to Transport for London. Judge Philip Shorrock noted that, while “this was a moment of madness,” taking the law into your own hands is never wise.
Harwood-Stamper’s tale serves as a public reminder: getting caught up in the heat of the moment can lead to regret and serious consequences.