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Edinburgh Airport alarm raised
2010-05-16 13:10:52Edinburgh Airport threatened by passenger
The BBC has reported that Andrew Purdy, 47, made the threat after losing his temper with staff at the Hertz rental company in Picardy Place, Edinburgh, in October 2008. Purdy, from Wishaw in Lanarkshire, pleaded guilty last month to committing a breach of the peace by threatening to bomb the airport. Returning to Edinburgh Sheriff Court for sentencing, Purdy was fined £300. Sheriff Isabella McColl heard that there was a psychiatric background.
Purdy had booked a car from the company through the internet and when he arrived at the depot was told he needed to pay the full amount for the hire.
Fiscal depute Graham Fraser, prosecuting, said there was "difficulty" with his credit card. Purdy became upset and demanded a refund of his deposit, he added. Staff tried to explain they would have to contact their manager, who was at the airport branch. They told him there would be a full refund but it would be sent directly to his bank account. Mr Fraser said Purdy told them: "Tell your manager there will be a bomb at the airport tonight and people will be killed." He then left. The staff were "very alarmed" and contacted the police. The airport was also alerted and a bomb assessment carried out.
Purdy was interviewed and at first denied making the threat but later admitted it.
The fiscal added: "I think it is fair to say the accused, appeared to the police, to have some issues and there was concern for his wellbeing".
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