Irishman who staged bomb hoax to be detained for 14 days

THE Irishman who set off a major alert at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport after claiming there was a bomb in his luggage because he was furious information staff could not help him with a query has been remanded in custody for 14 days by a Dutch Examining Magistrate.

The man’s name has not been released by the authorities because of privacy laws.

But according to reports here he has worked in bars in Britain and Holland and lives and works in Holland.

Last Friday he caused a major security alert and large sections of the departures and arrivals halls of Schiphol airport were evacuated after he hurled a rucksack on top of the information desk counter shouting “there is a bomb in there” before running off. He was later overpowered by heavily armed anti-terrorist officers.

Airport staff said the 23-year-old Irishman was apparently “frustrated and angry” because they could not supply him with information he requested about another passenger he was meeting. “He completely lost control and sent passengers running for their lives after shouting that he had a bomb in his luggage”, a staff member told Dutch radio.

“People were terrified, especially since the London bombings but every such alert is dealt with as if it is a real emergency here since 9/11.”

A spokesperson for Amsterdam airport’s military police said yesterday: “It looks like an example will be made of him and we are very glad because in these dangerous times it is inexcusable to cause chaos by shouting bomb threats like this Irish man has done.”

The man has been charged with creating major disruption of public order and more serious criminal charges may also be pressed.

He could be fined thousands of euros and also receive a further jail sentence, the public prosecutor’s office confirmed.

The spokesperson said all available police, explosives experts and the fire brigade rushed to the scene and passengers were evacuated from a large section of Terminal Two departures and arrivals halls at Schiphol as a result of the alert at around noon last Friday.