Man fined for bomb comments
07.06.08
A Norwegian engineer who shouted that he ‘didn't have a bomb’ while going through security checks at Edinburgh Airport this week has been fined £650. Kjell Bjoennes, 52, from Ankenesstrand, Norway, became upset when asked to remove his belt as he passed through the security area on Thursday. The contracts manager, who earns £120,000 a year after tax, yelled at security staff: ‘I have got a belt, not a bomb’. Police were called after he continued to shout about bombs and he was arrested.
Mr Bjoennes appeared from custody at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday and pleaded guilty to committing a breach of the peace. Fiscal depute Neil Allan said security staff had asked him to remove his belt because it had a heavy buckle. He said: ‘There was an exchange of views after which (Bjoennes) removed the belt and threw it into the receptacle for it to go through the X-ray machine.'
He went through the metal detector but was then stopped for a security search. He protested about this telling members of staff 'this is ridiculous, don't make your job more important than it is.' But things got out of hand when the accused protested: 'I have got a belt not a bomb.' He repeated he didn't have 'a bomb' and used the word 'bomb' at least 3 times and disorder reigned.' He apologised to police when he was arrested, telling them ‘I'm sorry’.
Paul Smith, defending, said that Mr Bjoennes is an engineer who works all over the world as a contracts manager. The father-of-two, who is teetotal, had been on his way to a project at Longannet Power Station in Fife when he was arrested.
‘He has been through Edinburgh Airport with the same belt and couldn't understand why a fuss was being made on this occasion. He overreacted, he cannot explain it. He's appalled by his own conduct and is genuinely sorry.'
Sheriff John Horsburgh QC said the fine would have been £1000 if Mr Bjoennes had not pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He said: ‘I think conduct of this sort in an airport is extremely disruptive. Having regard to the accused's income a substantial fine is justified.'
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