BREAKING: Peter Kay B0MB hoax case takes a dramatic turn as the accused man is pictured for the first time
The man charged following an alleged bomb hoax at Peter Kay’s gig at the Utilita Arena, Birmingham, over the weekend, appeared in court today
A man accused of a bomb hoax at a Peter Kay performance has appeared in court. On Friday, fans at the Utilita Arena, Birmingham, were evacuated less than an hour into the performance.
During an appearance today at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, Omar Majed, 19, was denied bail and was sent down to the cells during the 11-minute hearing.
The court was told that thousands of people attending Peter’s performance were evacuated after Majed allegedly “barged” his way into the arena without a ticket. Prosecutor Ros Buttler told the court that Majed was alleged to have indicated to a police constable and others that a bomb may have been left at the venue.
The alleged hoax has “serious repercussions” at an event which was attended by almost 13,000 people, Buttler said. The charge against Majed alleges that he communicated to a police officer and others information, which he knew or believed to be false, that a bomb was present in the arena.
After confirming his address and date of birth at the start of the hearing, Majed, of Graham Road, Saltley, Birmingham, was repeatedly asked to be quiet by District Judge Michelle Smith.
District Judge Smith, appearing in court via a video-link, also made several requests for Majed to sit down. After Majed shouted that proposed bail conditions for him were “not acceptable” he was taken down to the cells before the end of the hearing.
Majed gave no indication of a plea to a single charge of communicating false information to police contrary to the Criminal Law Act. Adjourning the case after submissions from the prosecutor and defence lawyer Lauren Clark, District Judge Smith also refused a bail application.
The judge said: “Based on everything I have read and have heard I am satisfied that the case should be dealt with in the
Crown Court. The case will be sent to Birmingham Crown Court on June 1.”
Police reported that a “suspicious bag” had been found. While those in attendance were given no insight into why the performance had been cut short, a member of the production told the crowd that the show had to be pulled. Majed was charged with false communications relating to a bomb hoax, West Midlands Police confirmed.
Today, the teen of Washwood Heath, Birmingham, appeared before magistrates. In a statement on Saturday, the force said: “Following searches of the Utilita Arena last night no items of a suspicious nature were found. A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax offence and remains in custody this morning as our enquiries continue.
“We’re grateful to everyone for their co-operation and understanding. As always our priority is the safety of the public.” Later on Saturday evening, the force issued a new update, confirming that Majed had been charged.
They said: “A man has been charged in connection with the events which led to the evacuation of the Utilita Arena in Birmingham last night. Omar Majed, 19, has been charged with false communications relating to a bomb hoax.
“Majed, of Washwood Heath, Birmingham, has been remanded to appear before magistrates in Birmingham on 4 May. An evacuation of the arena was ordered yesterday evening after a report of a suspicious bag being left in the area.
“Following searches, nothing suspicious was found and we are grateful to everyone for their co-operation and understanding. As always our priority is the safety of the public.”
At the time, the arena, located in the City Centre, said: “Utilita Arena Birmingham has been evacuated as a precaution on the advice of West Midlands Police after a potential suspicious bag was found nearby.
“The safety and security of customers and our colleagues is our highest priority. We can confirm everyone was safely evacuated and that the venue is secure. Ticket holders will be contacted directly in due course.”
One audience member said the production crew whispered to Peter while he was on stage before the comic was rushed off. Steve Aspinall, who lives in Bideford, Devon said: “Two guys came on, one with a mic and headphones, one guy whispered to Peter Kay and then he and Peter Kay shot off down the side.
“To be honest, I thought it was part of the show at first. It was a strange atmosphere, eerie, just confused really (about) what was happening. But it was alright and everyone was calm and left quite quickly with no panic.”
The evacuation was “calm and swift,” according to another person in attendance, who explained that they’d overheard a bag had been left somewhere. “No messing, it was just all out,” Miranda Richardson from Northampton said.
