22-12-2023 (SINGAPORE) Hawkins Kevin Francis, a 30-year-old Australian man, has been sentenced to six months in jail for making a false bomb threat that caused a Scoot flight to return to Singapore. Francis pleaded guilty on December 22 to one charge of making false threats of terrorist acts, violating the United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Regulations.
The incident occurred on Flight TR16 on October 12, 2023, en route to Perth, Australia. Approximately an hour after take-off, Francis’s actions prompted the aircraft to turn back. The return journey to Changi Airport was escorted by two F-15SG fighter jets from the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Grace Chua revealed that Francis, traveling with his wife from Phuket to Perth via Singapore, intentionally made the false bomb threat to ensure his arrest upon landing in Perth, ostensibly to evade social problems.
DPP Chua stated that Francis’s offense was influenced by a relapse of schizophrenia and a major depressive episode.
For the charge of making false threats of terrorist acts, Francis faced a potential fine of up to $500,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
