Bombs and guns hoax 'was a joke'

Charalampos Chatzicharalampous, 24, made the claim as he checked in to Teesside International Airport for a flight to Amsterdam on December 17.

Yesterday, he admitted recklessly making a statement which he knew was false, contrary to the Aviation Security Act 1982, at South Durham Magistrates' Court, in Darlington.

Hari Jandoo, prosecuting, said security guards swooped on the Sunderland University student after he answered a question about the contents of his bag from check-in attendant Joanna Moses, of KLM Airlines.

"The defendant looked at Joanna Moses directly and answered 'it's full of bombs and guns'," said Mr Jandoo.

"There was a passenger queue and clearly that comment could be heard. She said it was an offence to which he said 'I was joking'."

He said the defendant's luggage was x-rayed and searched by hand but nothing was found.

Police arrested Chatzicharalampous, of Low Street, Sunderland, who told them he was in high spirits because he was returning to Greece for Christmas with friends.

Laura Saunders-Jerrom, in mitigation, said her client, from the Greek city of Thessaloniki, had been grounded for a week by his father when he told him what had happened.

"He's never been in trouble before at all. He has brought thorough shame on the family. His father is a judge in Greece."

She said her client hadn't realised the question was directed at him and replied jokingly for the benefit of his friends.

"It was a really silly thing and he was playing up, if you like, to the lads.

"He just didn't appreciate that the topic was as sensitive as it evidently is."

She said he told her: "It was the most stupid thing I have ever done in my life."

Magistrates' bench chairman Olga Bainbridge told him he could have been fined as much as £5,000 for his "stupid, idiotic comments", but would not be because of his previous good character.

Chatzicharalampous was also ordered to pay £55 costs.