In a recent ruling, a Singapore court sentenced Australian national Hawkins Kevin Francis, 30, to six months in jail for making a false bomb threat during a flight destined for Perth.

The incident occurred on a Scoot flight carrying 11 crew members and 363 passengers.

Francis, who pleaded guilty to the charge of making false threats of terrorist acts, was reported to have suffered from a relapse of schizophrenia and a major depressive disorder during the episode, as confirmed by the Institute of Mental Health’s report presented in court.

Despite his mental health conditions, the judge asserted that Francis was aware of his actions when he falsely claimed the presence of a bomb on the flight. Shortly after the seat belt sign was turned off, Francis, who was traveling with his wife, approached cabin crew members, stating he had a bomb, causing the plane to turn back to Singapore an hour into the journey.

Upon investigation, it was revealed that Francis had referred to his nasal inhaler as a “bomb” to the crew, prompting the flight’s diversion.

The court’s decision reflects the severity of the false threat made by Francis, considering both the impact on the flight’s operations and the deliberate nature of his actions despite his mental health condition.