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05/04/2005
Man admits to carrying grenade on British flight
A man has admitted to carrying a hand grenade in his luggage on a British Airways flight at the Old Bailey today.
Hazil Rahaman-Alan, a 39-year-old Venezuelan, had flown to Britain from Caracas on February 13, 2003, carrying a hand grenade in his luggage, which had been placed in the cargo hold.
He was arrested at Gatwick airport after the grenade was discovered during a routine luggage search. It was later determined to be useless because the detonator had been removed.
The security operation that followed the discovery of the grenade led to the closure of the North Terminal at Gatwick and the delay of 40 flights.
Mr Rahaman-Alan pleaded guilty today to possessing an M26 hand grenade with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury. He also pleaded guilty to having a dangerous article on an aircraft.
Mr Rahaman-Alan had told police that he planned to blow himself up in an open area, such as a park. However, it is unclear why he planned to do this. The court heard that his motives were "obscure" and it has been accepted that he is not a terrorist or associated with any terrorist groups.
Mr Rahaman-Alan is the youngest son of a wealthy family who live near Caracas. He went to Saudi Arabia to become a Muslim preacher.
The case has been adjourned until May 20 in order for an up-to-date psychiatric report to be prepared.
(KMcA/SP)
Hazil Rahaman-Alan, a 39-year-old Venezuelan, had flown to Britain from Caracas on February 13, 2003, carrying a hand grenade in his luggage, which had been placed in the cargo hold.
He was arrested at Gatwick airport after the grenade was discovered during a routine luggage search. It was later determined to be useless because the detonator had been removed.
The security operation that followed the discovery of the grenade led to the closure of the North Terminal at Gatwick and the delay of 40 flights.
Mr Rahaman-Alan pleaded guilty today to possessing an M26 hand grenade with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury. He also pleaded guilty to having a dangerous article on an aircraft.
Mr Rahaman-Alan had told police that he planned to blow himself up in an open area, such as a park. However, it is unclear why he planned to do this. The court heard that his motives were "obscure" and it has been accepted that he is not a terrorist or associated with any terrorist groups.
Mr Rahaman-Alan is the youngest son of a wealthy family who live near Caracas. He went to Saudi Arabia to become a Muslim preacher.
The case has been adjourned until May 20 in order for an up-to-date psychiatric report to be prepared.
(KMcA/SP)
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