Student admits making hoax bomb call about easyJet flight
A student has admitted making a hoax phone call claiming there was a bomb on an easyJet flight from London Gatwick to Turkey.
Muhammet Demir, 20, of no fixed abode, called police shortly before 4.30pm on Tuesday September 9 and said he has seen a bomb on the flight destined for Izmir.
At the time, the flight was taxiing on the runway with 170 passengers on board.
It was recalled and met by armed police.
Police officers, Gatwick and airline staff, traced the call to 20-year-old Demir, who had been due to board the flight.
Although they established it was a hoax, the incident still delayed the flight by three hours.
Police forces around the country were notified and Demir was arrested as he tried to board a flight at Luton Airport.
The Turkish national admitted making the call but did not say why.
At Brighton Magistrates’ Court this week, Demir pleaded guilty to a charge of communicating a false message to cause a bomb hoax.
He was remanded in custody and is due to appear before a crown court for sentencing on a date to be set.
Detective Inspector Andy Richardson said: "Fortunately we were able to quickly identify that this was a hoax call but it still caused considerable worry for airport and airline staff and passengers.
"Anyone considering making malicious calls of this nature should think long and hard about the consequences.
"We investigate fully all claims and threats like this and will not rest until we find those responsible.
"Making hoax calls not only wastes the time and money of members of the public and the emergency services but also delays us from responding to genuine emergencies.
"Demir now knows that if you make a malicious call to say a bomb is on a plane then we will find you. We will arrest you, put you before the courts and you will go to prison."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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