In a disconcerting incident, an Australian man, Kevin Francis Hawkins, was sentenced to six months in jail for making a false bomb threat on a Scoot flight from Singapore to Perth in October.
Despite suffering from a relapse of schizophrenia coupled with an episode of major depressive disorder, the judge ruled that Hawkins was aware of the consequences of his actions.
He was subsequently sentenced to 6 months imprisonment on December 22, according to Channel NewsAsia.
The Background
Hawkins, 30, was on a Scoot flight (TR16) with his wife on 12 October, traveling from Phuket to Perth with a layover in Singapore. The court heard that Hawkins, an “active participant” in Telegram groups trading explicit material, made a false bomb threat to cabin crew members onboard the flight.
The Bomb Hoax Unfolds
Around 4:30 pm, shortly after the seatbelt sign was turned off, Hawkins, in a seemingly emotionless tone, informed a Singaporean air steward that he had a bomb. The steward, understandably alarmed, reported the incident to the chief of the cabin crew. Despite revealing a nasal inhaler instead of an explosive, Hawkins insisted that he had a bomb, pointing to his trouser pocket.
Following established protocols, the pilot reported a “Mayday,” and the plane initiated a turnback over the South China Sea. Singapore’s police were alerted, and Republic of Singapore Air Force fighter jets were activated to escort the plane back. The incident caused substantial disruptions, with airport and police staff mobilized, and the flight delayed by about seven hours.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Hawkins pleaded guilty to making a false bomb threat, an offense under the United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Regulations. Despite Hawkins’ relapse of schizophrenia, the judge emphasized that he was fit to plead in court.
The defense argued for a lighter sentence, citing Hawkins’ mental health and the fact that he wanted to be arrested in Perth to escape perceived social problems.
His lawyer added that Hawkins made the bomb threat as he wanted to be arrested and locked up in a mental hospital for the rest of his life.
Judge’s Ruling
The judge acknowledged Hawkins’ mental disorders as contributing factors but highlighted the severity of the offense. He stressed that even with distorted understanding due to mental conditions, Hawkins knew the consequences of his actions. The sentence of six months in jail was handed down, with the judge urging Hawkins’ family to support his mental health treatment upon release.