22/01/2004

British 'bomb' joker makes bail

The 21-year-old British woman who was arrested in Florida after joking that she was carrying a bomb in her backpack has been released on bail.

Samantha Marson, from Bridgnorth in Shropshire, was released from Dade County jail last night after a bail bond of £2,700 was paid. She had spent four nights in the jail.

Miss Marson was arrested at Miami International Airport on Saturday after she was alleged to have placed her backpack on the belt of an X-ray machine before quipping: "Hey, be careful. I have three bombs in there."

The comment may have intended her comment to be humorous, but the policeman was not amused – and promptly arrested her.

Miss Marson has been charged with making a false bomb report, a charge which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail. She is scheduled to return to court on February 6, where she will enter her plea.

(gmcg)

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