A HOLIDAYMAKER who was arrested after telling an airport security guard to "watch the Semtex" in his pockets, has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Bishop Auckland magistrates heard yesterday how Michael Brown, made the comments as he went through heightened security checks at Teesside Airport three days after the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.

The 20-year-old, from Edgar Grove, Bishop Auckland, was in high spirits as he was about to embark on his first holiday abroad with friends.

But PC Christine Foster told the court Mr Brown and his four friends were behaving inappropriately at the airport, swearing loudly and in jovial spirits while the rest of the airport was tense and solemn.

She said: "I couldn't believe anybody could say such a silly thing so close to what had happened. I wouldn't have wanted to take my child on that flight if that man had been on the flight."

Security supervisor Alan Tuckey said he believed Mr Brown was carrying explosives when he told him he had Semtex in his pockets during a routine search. Mr Tuckey confiscated his boarding card and he was taken to a secure area where, according to police, he was abusive.

He was originally arrested for making a bomb hoax, a charge that was later reduced to causing harassment, alarm or distress to others.

He told police that with hindsight his actions had been stupid and the words just came out, without prior thought.

When asked if he had any remorse for his actions, Mr Brown said: "I'm totally ashamed of what I've done. I'm disappointed with myself, I've never been in trouble before and I've let my family and my friends down as well as myself."

Magistrates said it could not be proved that Mr Brown's words were intended to cause harassment, alarm or distress and found him not guilty.