Man admits making hoax bomb threat on passenger plane
A man has admitted making a bomb threat on an aircraft which had to be diverted to Stansted Airport in England.
Alan Patey (aged 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.
