February 11th 2024.
Craig Sturt had quite the adventure recently, managing to fly from Heathrow Airport in London to New York without a passport or plane ticket. It's quite a feat, and a bit of a humiliating fiasco for UK security, to say the least. The 46-year-old man from Slough, named Craig Sturt, was able to pass through various security checkpoints and passport control at Heathrow's Terminal 5 without showing any documents- or so it is believed.
According to reports, Sturt simply walked closely behind other passengers, tailgating them, and managed to board a British Airways flight to New York using this simple tactic. Once on board, he found a free seat and even enjoyed some complimentary food and drinks before landing at JFK Airport in New York. It wasn't until he disembarked the plane and was unable to show a passport that he was stopped by armed officials and sent back to the UK on a charter flight.
Upon his arrival on Christmas Day last year, Sturt was arrested and then taken to a psychiatric hospital in Reading, where he was sectioned. However, reports say that he managed to escape from the hospital and has been missing since January 22, with Thames Valley Police releasing a photo of him on January 30 as part of a missing person's appeal.
As for the incident itself, it has caused quite a stir. According to sources, Home Secretary James Cleverly is determined to get to the bottom of this "humiliating fiasco." The source also added that heads will roll over this major embarrassment for Heathrow and Border Force. It's a scary thought to consider what could have happened if a terrorist had successfully boarded a flight undetected.
After being arrested and charged with obtaining services by deception, being unlawfully airside, and boarding an aircraft without permission, Sturt was remanded to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court. Thames Valley Police, who had issued the original missing person's appeal for Sturt, transferred the case to the Metropolitan Police, who are now leading the ongoing investigation.
Both Heathrow Airport and British Airways have released statements, with the airport stating that all individuals who go airside are subject to security screening, and they are supporting the ongoing investigation. British Airways also stated that they are assisting authorities with their enquiries.
Sturt's disappearance has caused quite a stir, with his family devastated by the ordeal. His brother, Lee Smith, told the Sun that they had no idea how he managed to dodge security, and he has a troubled past. The Metropolitan Police have also issued a plea for help in finding Sturt, describing him as 6ft, slim, with short dark brown hair. He was last seen wearing a grey jacket, a top, black jogging bottoms, and white trainers, and has been spotted taking £200 in cash from a machine on Tottenham Court Road in London.
It's certainly been a wild ride for Craig Sturt, and one that has raised many questions and concerns about airport security. The Home Office has been contacted for further comment on the matter.
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