Passenger conditionally discharged after 'joking' he had a bomb in hand luggage
Prosecution insisted law was 'crystal clear' on such hoaxes
A 52-year-old man was conditionally discharged for three years after admitting to jokingly telling ground handling staff at the Malta International Airport that he had a bomb inside his hand luggage.
Martin Cepel was arraigned on Tuesday afternoon before duty magistrate Nadine Sant Lia where he was accused of making a false declaration to an individual authorised to handle luggage at the airport.
Police inspector Karl Roberts explained that he was informed on Monday morning by security at the Malta International Airport that a Slovak passenger had been stopped after replying that he had a bomb when asked if he had any electronic devices in his hand luggage.
The man admitted to the charge.
During submissions on punishment, Roberts argued that the man had cooperated fully with the ground handling staff, security at MIA and the police and was at no point hostile. He added that while he believed the accused had indeed joked about having a bomb in the presence of his friends, the law was “crystal clear” on such situations.
The prosecution and defence suggested a conditional discharge in this case, noting that there was no “malicious” intent.
The man was handed a three-year conditional discharge.
Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia presided.
Police inspector Karl Roberts prosecuted while lawyer Ryan Ellul appeared for the accused.