Peter Kay bomb hoax suspect heckles judge over bail conditions

A young man accused of a bomb hoax at a Peter Kay gig has been pictured for the first time.

Almost 13,000 people were evacuated from Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on Friday (May 1) less than an hour into the show following reports that a ‘suspicious bag’ had been found.

Omar Majed, 19 – who has been charged in connection with the incident – allegedly ‘barged’ into the venue without a ticket and indicated to a police constable and others that a bomb may have been left at the venue.

He appeared at Birmingham Magistrate’s Court today (Monday, May 4), but was removed and taken down to the cells just 11 minutes into the hearing following an outburst.

After confirming his address and date of birth, Majed – of Graham Road, Saltley, Birmingham – began shouting from the dock over proposed bail conditions which he said were ‘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 gave no indication of a plea to a charge of communicating false information to police. He was remanded in custody until next month.

Judge Smith said: ‘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.’

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 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.’