Man behind failed Princes Street Gardens nail bomb attack jailed
Nikolaos Karvounakis planted the device in January 2018
Last updated 16th Feb 2022
A man who left a bomb in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens, which police say had the potential to cause deaths and serious injury, has been jailed for 8 and a half years.
35-year-old Greenk-born Nikolaos Karvounakis bought parts of his bomb online and left the device, which contained 58 nails, in the popular park in January 2018.
But he wasn’t arrested until June last year, later pleading guilty after his DNA was found on tape within the contraption.
He also admitted the plot online, saying he did it for an eco-terrorism group.
Mr Karvounakis said he had been going through a tough time in his life and had gone through with the plot in order to impress others online.
His defence argued he was easily manipulated.
Karvounakis, who worked as a cleaner, claimed he never intended for the device to detonate, but wanted to cause alarm and disruption.
He said a note contained within the device was to be found.
But experts argued the components of the bomb required to create an explosion were present, and it could have gone off regardless of intention.
He was sentenced by Lord Braid, who said he had taken into account that Mr Karvounakis had no previous convictions and appeared to renounce his previous beliefs.
His sentence was shortened due to his apparent remorse for his actions.
Otherwise the sentence would have reached 10 years.
Police Scotland welcomed the sentencing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Houston, Police Scotland’s Head of Counter Terrorism Unit, said:
“The sentencing of Nikolaos Karvounakis is the culmination of a four year investigation. Police Scotland Counter Terrorism investigators worked with colleagues in agencies both in the UK and Europe and the subsequent conviction and sentencing is testament to the dedication of law enforcement and partners that they were able to piece together the actions of this individual. The ideological beliefs held by Karvounakis were unusual and based on eco-extremism aligned to an international terror group originating from Mexico known as ITS which had been seen in other European counties, but not previously in Scotland.
“His sentencing today highlights the continuous collaborative work being undertaken by Police Scotland, prosecutors and other key partners to keep our communities safe from the threat of terrorism which won’t be tolerated in civilised society. His reckless actions showed utter disregard for the safety of anyone within Princes Street Gardens on the day in question and there is no doubt his presence and engagement online after the event could have easily encouraged others to carry out similar acts, with potentially catastrophic consequences. Not just in Scotland.
“We will continue our partnership work to identify and protect anyone who feels vulnerable to being influenced into carrying out these types of offences.
“If you feel the need for such assistance or have concerns about a relative or friend who may be at risk of being radicalised or displaying extremist views you should contact Police Scotland or the confidential anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321. There is helpful and confidential advice available at the ACT Early Counter Terrorism Policing website.”