A teenager has appeared in court accused of making a bomb hoax at a Peter Kay show in Birmingham that forced thousands of people out of the arena.
Omar Majed, 19, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court after the Utilita Arena was evacuated during Friday night’s performance.
The venue was cleared less than an hour into the show after reports that a suspicious bag had been found.
Prosecutor Ros Buttler told the court Majed allegedly barged his way into the arena without a ticket before indicating to a police officer and others that a bomb may have been left inside.
She said the alleged hoax had “serious repercussions” at an event where almost 13,000 people were expected.
The charge alleges Majed communicated information to a police officer and others that he knew or believed to be false, namely that a bomb was present in the arena.
During the hearing, Majed gave no indication of plea.
The court heard he was removed after shouting that proposed bail conditions were not acceptable. District Judge Smith, appearing by video-link, repeatedly asked him to sit down before he was taken to the cells around 10 minutes into the hearing.
The judge refused bail and adjourned the case.
Majed is due to appear before Birmingham Crown Court on 1 June.
The incident caused major disruption to Peter Kay’s show, with the comedian rushed from the stage as police ordered the crowd to leave the venue.
West Midlands Police later confirmed that searches found nothing dangerous at the arena.