Teenager accused of bomb hoax at Peter Kay show is remanded in custody after courtroom outbursts
A teenager accused of an alleged bomb hoax that caused a Peter Kay comedy show to be evacuated and later canceled has been remanded in custody until next month.
Omar Majed, 19, was ordered to the cells during an 11-minute hearing at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The court heard thousands of fans had to be evacuated after Majed allegedly entered Birmingham’s Utilita Arena without a ticket last Friday.
Prosecutor Ros Buttler told the court Majed allegedly indicated to a police officer and others that a bomb might have been left at the scene.
The alleged hoax had “serious repercussions” at an event where a crowd of around 13,000 was expected, he added.
The charge against Majed alleges that he communicated to a police officer and others information that he knew or believed to be false that a bomb was in the arena.
After confirming his address and date of birth at the start of the hearing, Majed, of Graham Road, Saltley, Birmingham, was repeatedly asked by District Judge Michelle Smith to remain silent.
District Judge Smith, who appeared in court via video link, also made several requests for Majed to sit.
He was taken to the cells before the hearing ended after Majed shouted that the bail conditions offered for him were “unacceptable”.
Majed showed no signs of defense to the charge of passing false information to the police, contrary to the Criminal Law Act.
District Judge Smith, who adjourned the case after the statements of the prosecutor and defense lawyer Lauren Clark, also rejected the bail request.
The judge said: “Based on everything I have read and heard, I am satisfied that the case should be tried in the Crown Court.
“The case will be sent to Birmingham Crown Court on June 1.”
Kay, 52, was carried off stage during his show at Utilita Arena on Friday.
The show was canceled following the evacuation and West Midlands Police later said “nothing suspicious was found” during searches.
In an update on Saturday evening, police said: “An order was given to evacuate the arena last evening following a report that a suspicious bag was left in the area.
“Following searches, nothing suspicious was found and we are grateful to everyone for their cooperation and understanding.
“As always, our priority is the public’s safety.”
The show was part of Kay’s national tour, where all proceeds will be donated to 12 cancer charities.
