Passengers sat on planes for three hours after man threatened to blow up Perth Airport
A 57-year-old man faces up to 10 years in prison after he was arrested for allegedly threatening to blow up Perth Airport, forcing an evacuation and stranding 450 passengers on two planes for three hours.
Keiron Beau James Hedges told Perth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday his words were “misunderstood” as prosecutors said he was seen walking towards the passport area before being stopped by security, who called them “f-off”.
Hedges then allegedly said “I’m going to blow this place up” and then told the security guard to “f-off” again.
The Australian Federal Police were notified of the incident before being notified that a backpack had been left unattended upon arrival. CCTV footage allegedly revealed that Hedges was the person who dropped the bag, which led to an evacuation and investigation by the bomb squad.
Prosecutors said the airport’s terminal 1 building was completely evacuated and 450 incoming international passengers were stranded on two planes for three hours.
Airport staff were also evacuated and 250 passengers had to remain in the terminal.
Access to the airport’s train station was also denied before the bag was cleared.
Hedges was later arrested at Adelaide Terrace in Perth’s CBD, and during a recorded interview with police he was allegedly told he had been “briefed to inform the public that the airport and car park would be blown up”.
“I didn’t tell them I was going to plant a bomb,” he allegedly told police.
“I was told that I had to put my backpack outside terminal 1. I put the bag in the bin because I didn’t need it.”
The court was told Hedges was receiving disability benefits due to mental health issues.
His bail application was refused so he can be brought back to court for a mental health assessment on April 28.
“I want to protest your decision immediately,” Hedges told the judge.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Peter Brindal said the AFP and its partners would not tolerate threats to aviation security.
“Traveling through airports should be a safe experience for passengers, staff and airline crew alike,” he said.
“We would like to thank citizens for reporting suspicious activity at airports – if you see something that doesn’t look right please report it to 131 237.
“AFP will continue to work closely with airline partners to deal with any behavior that interferes with aviation safety.”
