Overview
- Newcastle Crown Court sentenced Kristopher Follos to eight years in prison with a three-year extended licence after guilty pleas to conspiracy to cause explosions, conspiracy to steal, and making explosive substances.
- CCTV from the May 12, 2025 attack at Powburn’s Hedgeley/Esso service station showed an Audi on false plates, a device lit with a lighter, nearly £4,815 in damage, and no access to the £14,862 inside.
- Police later found multiple viable improvised explosive devices at his Morpeth flat, triggering the evacuation of a 16-apartment block while the bomb squad made them safe.
- Follos admitted building the devices and to similar failed ATM attempts in Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire during July and August 2025.
- Officials from NEROCU and CPS said his use of explosives posed a serious risk to the public, describing the case as part of the regional Operation Sentinel response to organised crime.