A 36-year-old Australian man, Moncrieff Marli Curtis Philip, faced charges on Monday (Dec 9) for allegedly threatening to crash a Jetstar flight while boarding at Changi Airport.
Philip, who indicated he would plead guilty to two charges, is scheduled for an urgent hearing on December 18.
According to Channel News Asia, the charges stem from an incident that took place on November 20 at approximately 5:40 AM in the gate holding area for Jetstar flight JQ96 to Perth, located in Terminal 4 of the airport.
Philip reportedly made alarming statements, including “I wish the aircraft to crash and kill everyone” and “I want the aircraft to crash.”
The situation escalated further when, around 7:40 AM, he allegedly threatened immigration officials by saying, “If you put me on another plane, I am gonna do the same thing, I will tell the pilot I will crash the plane.”
His remarks were deemed likely to cause alarm, according to the charge sheets.
According to police, “While in the holding room, the man allegedly uttered the same words again”.
Philip, who appeared in a district court with a prominent beard, is currently out on a personal bond of S$1,000. The court was informed that his passport has been impounded and that the Australian embassy has been alerted not to issue him a replacement travel document.
During the court proceedings, District Judge Lorraine Ho inquired if Philip wished to plead guilty promptly, to which he responded affirmatively.
When asked about legal representation, Philip stated he could not afford a lawyer.
In their statement, the police said “The Police treat all security threats seriously and will not hesitate to take action against anyone who causes public alarm with false threats. Beyond the fear and inconvenience caused to other members of the public, the making of false threats comes at a cost, in the extensive public resources that have to be deployed to deal with the incident.”
Image via Jetstar Facebook
- Foreign Traveler Arrested After Returning to S’pore for Shop Theft at Changi Airport
- Man Accused Of Deflating Tyres Of Seven Cars Using Green Beans
- Man 37, Jailed for Moderating P*rnography Websites
- Hawker’s Honesty Shines as He Returns Erroneous $90 Refund to Customer
- Three Youths Arrested for Theft of 2 Rental Cars From Carpark Located in Upper Serangoon Road
