Man who hurled vulgarities, pointed middle finger at auxiliary cops in Changi Airport jailed 7 weeks

SINGAPORE – A British national who attempted to enter a restricted area at Changi Airport and hurled vulgarities at auxiliary police officers while doing so has been sentenced to seven weeks’ jail.

Lindley Scott David John, 41, pleaded guilty on April 16 to three charges, including one count of drunkenness in a public place and another charge under the Protection from Harassment Act.

The police said on April 17 that Lindley’s offences took place on March 8 at Changi Airport Terminal 2.

He had been stopped by auxiliary police officers while trying to enter a restricted area at the airport.

Investigations revealed that Lindley had arrived from Bangkok and could not find his luggage at the baggage claim hall.

Assuming that his employer, who was on the same flight, might have taken it, he went to the public area but later found out that the bag was not with his employer.

He then tried to re-enter the baggage claim hall through the staff entrance to search for his bag.

A female auxiliary police officer told him to stop, but he ignored her order, and began hurling vulgarities and pointing his middle finger at her.

He then tried to push his way past her, grabbing her chest as he did so. He also pushed other auxiliary police officers who intervened and yelled vulgarities at them.

According to court documents, Lindley had trespassed the baggage claim hall while drunk, and had annoyed the auxiliary police officers.

The police said: “We take a serious view of any form of harassment and aggressive behaviours towards public servants and airport staff who are carrying out their duties to safeguard Singapore’s airport security.

“We will not condone any such behaviours, and offenders will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law.”