A Birmingham teenager accused of making a bogus bomb threat that forced the evacuation of a Peter Kay comedy show at the Utilita Arena has appeared in court but was removed after repeated outbursts.
Court Hearing Disrupted
Omar Majed, 19, of Graham Road, Saltley, Birmingham, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday, May 4, but was ordered to the cells partway through the 11-minute hearing. District Judge Michelle Smith, appearing via video-link, repeatedly asked Majed to be quiet and sit down. After he shouted that proposed bail conditions were "not acceptable," he was taken down to the cells.
The Alleged Hoax
The court heard that on Friday, May 1, Majed allegedly barged into the Utilita Arena without a ticket and indicated to a police constable and others that a bomb may have been left at the venue. Prosecutor Ros Buttler said the alleged hoax had "serious repercussions" at an event with an expected crowd of nearly 13,000 people. The charge under the Criminal Law Act states that Majed communicated false information to police, knowing or believing it to be false.
Show Evacuation
Peter Kay, 52, was performing as part of his Better Late Than Never tour when he was ushered off stage and the arena was evacuated. West Midlands Police later confirmed that nothing suspicious was found during searches. In a statement, the force said: "An evacuation of the arena was ordered yesterday evening after a report of a suspicious bag being left in the area. Following searches, nothing suspicious was found."
Bail Refused
Defense lawyer Lauren Clark made a bail application, but District Judge Smith refused it, stating: "Based on everything I have read and heard, I am satisfied that the case should be dealt with in the Crown Court." The case was adjourned and will be sent to Birmingham Crown Court on June 1. Majed gave no indication of plea.
Kay's national tour, which sees all proceeds donated to 12 cancer charities, was paused after the incident.
