A 57-year-old man is facing up to 10 years behind bars after he was arrested for allegedly threatening to blow up Perth Airport, forcing its evacuation and leaving 450 passengers stranded on two planes for three hours as the threat was investigated.
Keiron Beau James Hedges told Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday his words had been “misconstrued” as prosecutors said he was seen walking toward the passport area before he was stopped by security, prompting him to tell them to “f— off”.
Hedges then allegedly said, “I’m going to blow this place up” before again telling the security guard to “f— off”.
Australian Federal Police were advised of the incident before being notified of an unattended backpack left at arrivals. CCTV footage allegedly revealed Hedges was the person who left the bag which prompted the evacuation and an investigation by the bomb squad.
The airport’s terminal 1 building was completely evacuated, prosecutors said, leaving 450 incoming international passengers stuck 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 on Adelaide Terrace in Perth’s CBD and during a recorded police interview allegedly said he had been “informed to inform the public that the airport will be blown up and the carpark will be blown up”.
“I did not tell them I would plant a bomb,” he allegedly told police.
“I was informed to put my backpack outside terminal 1. I placed the bag in the bin because I didn’t need it”.
The court was told that Hedges is in receipt of a disability pension because of mental health problems.
His application for bail was denied so he can be brought back before the court for a mental health assessment on April 28.
“I would like to protest your decision immediately,” Hedges told the magistrate.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said the AFP and its partners would not tolerate threats to aviation security.
“Travelling through airports should be a safe experience for passengers, staff and airline crew alike,” he said.
“We want to thank members of the public for reporting suspicious activity at airports – if you do see anything that doesn’t look right, please report it to 131 237.
“The AFP will continue to work closely with airline partners to deal with any behaviour that interferes with aviation security.”
