Omar Majed, 19, appeared in court via video-link from HMP Brinsford, charged with communicating false information to police over the alleged bomb hoax at Peter Kay’s Utilita Arena show
A 19-year-old man charged in connection with an alleged bomb hoax that led to the evacuation of a Peter Kay comedy performance has appeared before magistrates. Omar Majed attended Birmingham Crown Court via video-link from HMP Brinsford on Monday before Judge Andrew Smith KC.
Majed, dressed in a grey prison t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms, remained silent throughout the proceedings, merely nodding when the court clerk requested confirmation of his identity. Seated at a table beside a prison officer, Majed smiled during the brief hearing with his arms folded and repeatedly rested his head on the table.
A pre-trial review hearing for Majed, from Saltley, Birmingham, who faces charges of communicating false information to police contrary to the Criminal Law Act, was scheduled for September 30.
The defendant has yet to be arraigned pending psychiatric assessments. During a previous hearing, which was abandoned after Majed began removing his clothing, a trial date was fixed for November 3.
Speaking to the defendant, Judge Smith said: “You will next appear before this court on September 30 this year.
“Between now and then, various doctors will need to speak to you and you should co-operate with these doctors.
“You will, between now and September 30, remain in custody as you currently are.”
As the hearing concluded, Majed rose to his feet and seemed to bow repeatedly before the prison video-link was terminated. Kay, 52, was swiftly escorted off stage during his performance at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on May 1, leading to the cancellation of the show following an evacuation.
West Midlands Police later confirmed that “nothing suspicious was found” during their searches.
In a follow-up statement on May 2, the force 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.”
The show was part of Kay’s Better Late Than Never national tour, with all proceeds going to 12 cancer charities.
