27 September 2023, 2:53pm
Media Release
Alleged trespasser arrested on Perth Airport tarmac
A West Australian man faced the Perth Magistrates Court yesterday (26 September, 2023), accused of fleeing police and trespassing onto the tarmac at Perth Airport on Monday, where he was quickly arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
AFP officers at Perth Airport were speaking to the man, 18, when he allegedly gave them false personal information and fled. It is alleged the man ran from police before using an emergency exit door to run into a restricted area at Perth Airport.
The man is accused of running against the flow of oncoming passengers, where he used another emergency exit to gain access to the tarmac.
AFP officers arrested the man on the tarmac and he was charged with a range of offences.
The Gosnells man appeared in court on the following offences:
- Give false personal details, contrary to section 16(8) of the Criminal Investigation (Identifying People) Act 2002 (WA);
- Using False Identification Information – air passenger tickets for constitutional flights, contrary to section 376.4 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
- Trespass on prohibited Commonwealth Land, contrary to section 89(1) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for these offences ranges from a fine of $3130 to 12 months’ imprisonment.
The man was released on bail after his court appearance, with conditions including that he cannot approach Perth Airport. He is due to re-appear in court on 3 October, 2023.
The AFP and Perth Airport security conducted a full security sweep of the breached areas and normal operations resumed at the airport soon after.
AFP Superintendent Peter Hatch said any allegations of un-authorised entry to restricted areas at airports are taken seriously.
“The AFP continues to prioritise national security at designated airports. We remain focused on preventing, disrupting and responding to security and criminal threats, to ensure the safety of the travelling public,” Superintendent Hatch said.
“Bad behaviour on board aircrafts, and in and around airports, impacts everybody’s travel plans. These matters are not something the AFP takes lightly. If you are committing a crime or threatening violence then you will be arrested and charged.”
If you require a police presence at an airport, or wish to report an incident or provide information, please call the AFP’s Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).
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