A WA man is expected to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today (21 July, 2024), charged with threatening airline and airport staff at Perth Airport overnight.
The AFP arrested the Butler man, 31, in the carpark of the Perth Airport after he allegedly jumped over a counter into a restricted area and threatened an airline worker.
When he was approached by airport security he allegedly threatened them with violence before leaving the terminal and entering the carpark, where he was arrested by AFP officers.
It will be alleged when police asked the man to identify himself he refused to provide his personal details to officers.
The AFP has charged the man with:
- Two counts of making a threat to unlawfully do an act, contrary to section 338B(1)(b)(iii) of the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA). The maximum penalty for this offence is three years' imprisonment;
- One count of behaving in a disorderly manner in a public place or in sight or hearing of any person in a public place, contrary to section 74A(2)(a) of the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $6000 fine; and
- Failing to comply with a request to give police personal details, contrary to section 16(6) of the Criminal Investigation (Identifying People) Act 2002 (WA). The maximum penalty for this offence is 12 months' imprisonment.
AFP Acting Inspector Josh Gilmour said the AFP would not tolerate abusive behaviour towards airport staff.
"Workers at our airports around Australia are just trying to do their job and anyone who threatens them or behaves in a disorderly manner will be dealt with swiftly by our officers," Acting Inspector Gilmour said.
"The AFP works closely with the airline industry to intervene if anyone's behaviour interferes with the safety of the public in or around an airport."
If you require a police presence at an airport, or wish to report an incident or provide information, please call the AFP's Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).
