A second man today (Wednesday, August 16) admitted being part of an airport bomb hoax stunt filmed by an online prankster intending to post it on his YouTube channel.
Garard Ndela previously admitted recording himself in the crowded terminal building at Newcastle International Airport claiming to have a bomb in his bag which he was going to set off, on July 3.
His recording was swiftly interrupted by security staff and police officers who detained him at the scene.
The 20-year-old defendant, of Ellison Villas, Gateshead, admitted making the hoax bomb alert when he appeared before magistrates two days later.
Read more: YouTuber faces prison over Newcastle Airport bomb prank
An alleged accomplice, Andre Antonio, who also arrested as part of the same incident at the terminal building on July 3, has now appeared at Newcastle Crown Court facing the same charge.
He was seen talking to Ndela immediately prior to the incident and then also filmed his co-accused as he claimed to have a bomb.
Antonio, also 20, of Chestnut Avenue, Cowgate, Newcastle, previously denied the bomb hoax charge, claiming he was unaware of what his accomplice intended to do when he began to film him.
But at a further hearing in the case at the court today Antonio changed his plea and also admitted the offence.
His counsel, Josh Normanton, told the court an agreement had been reached over a basis of plea which he said: “I hope it won’t be controversial”, in that he, “provided assistance” (to Ndela).
Mr Normanton said: “After dropping off a friend at the airport he became involved in assisting and that will be the extent of it.
“It was not pre-meditated, having attended at the airport with the intention of dropping off a friend and his involvement was to film what was played out.”
Read more: Youtuber who made Newcastle Airport bomb hoax in Eldon Square probe
Judge Christopher Prince said it may be true that the defendant was at the airport to drop off a friend, but he said it ought to be checked by the Crown.
Neil Jones, prosecuting, said it would be checked, but added that otherwise it may be that the basis offered can be agreed.
Mr Jones said the prosecution would play footage of the incident to the sentencing hearing.
Judge Prince said the package of footage should also include previous similar stunts filmed by Ndela to post on his YouTube channel.
“It was the Crown’s case that it was done so it could be posted on YouTube which can give a financial advantage.”
Mr Jones said: “It was his trade, or business.”
Judge Prince said it would not appear to have been a “one-off” and if such behaviour was for a commercial enterprise he would want to know as part of the background to the case.
He adjourned the hearing to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report by the Probation Service on Antonio.
A similar report has already been prepared in the case of Ndela.
Read next:
Man jailed after threatening to blow up houses on Wallsend street
Newcastle shopkeeper wrestled man with grenade to ground
North East teenage terror suspect fantasised about building bomb
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Judge Prince bailed both defendants pending the sentencing hearing, in October.
He told them: “You must both return to court to be sentenced on October 9.
“All sentencing options will remain open.”
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