Stansted: Man Admits Making Bomb Threat

16 December 2013, 14:03 | Updated: 16 December 2013, 14:04

A man has pleaded guilty to making a bomb threat on a plane which led to it being diverted to Stansted Airport.

Alan Patey, 49, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court to communicating false information during a flight on September 20. 

The Sri Lankan Airlines A330 Airbus, which was carrying 267 passengers and crew, was due to land at Heathrow Airport but was diverted to Stansted just after 7.30pm. 

Sources said the drama unfolded after a passenger was overheard claiming ''something'' was on board the flight in the luggage hold. 

James Lachkovic, mitigating for Patey, said his client was unwell at the time of the offence. 

Judge Charles Gratwicke adjourned the case for sentencing on January 22 and Patey was remanded back into custody.