Stansted: Man Admits Bomb Hoax On Plane

16 December 2013, 11:18 | Updated: 16 December 2013, 14:20

A man has admitted making a bomb threat on an aircraft which had to be diverted to Stansted Airport.

49-year-old Alan Patey, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court this morning (Monday 16 December) to communicating false information during a flight on 20 September.

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 22 January and Patey was remanded back into custody.