A young man accused of orchestrating a bomb hoax at a Peter Kay comedy show has been photographed for the first time. The incident led to the evacuation of nearly 13,000 people from Birmingham's Utilita Arena on Friday, May 1, less than an hour into the performance, after reports of a suspicious bag being discovered.
Omar Majed, 19, has been charged in connection with the event. Prosecutors allege that he barged into the venue without a ticket and indicated to a police constable and others that a bomb may have been left inside. He appeared at Birmingham Magistrate's Court on Monday, May 4, but was removed and taken to the cells just 11 minutes into the hearing after an outburst.
After confirming his address and date of birth, Majed, of Graham Road, Saltley, Birmingham, began shouting from the dock about proposed bail conditions, which he described as not acceptable. District Judge Michelle Smith, appearing via video-link, repeatedly asked Majed to be quiet and to sit down before he was led out of the courtroom.
Majed did not indicate a plea to the charge of communicating false information to police. He was remanded in custody until next month. Judge Smith stated: '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.'
Peter Kay, 52, was ushered off stage, and his show, part of his Better Late Than Never national tour, was cancelled following Friday's emergency evacuation. Police scoured the arena but later confirmed that nothing suspicious had been found. In an update on Saturday evening, West Midlands Police said: '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.'
