Two separate incidents at Perth Airport have led to criminal charges for West Australian men accused of abusive and threatening conduct, as the Australian Federal Police (AFP) reinforces its zero-tolerance stance on anti-social behaviour in aviation precincts.
A 24-year-old man appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on 5 June after allegedly threatening airline staff and verbally abusing AFP officers. The incident occurred on 16 May, after the man’s brother missed a scheduled flight to Broome.
AFP officers were called to the domestic terminal, where the man was allegedly using threatening and offensive language. Despite being warned, he reportedly continued to abuse officers and was arrested at the scene.
He has been charged with one count of acting in a disorderly manner in public, under section 74A of the WA Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of a $6000 fine.
In a separate incident on 18 May, another WA man, 36, was charged after allegedly using offensive language at a departure gate and resisting arrest.
Police allege the man was talking loudly on a mobile phone and using offensive language. When approached by officers, he reportedly made abusive hand gestures and resisted arrest. Even after being restrained, he allegedly attempted to flee before being secured in a police vehicle.
He pleaded guilty on 19 May in Perth Magistrates Court to: One count of obstructing Public Officers (section 172, Criminal Code WA), and One count of acting in a disorderly manner in public. He was fined $1500.
AFP Inspector Peter Brindal said such behaviour would not be tolerated. “All travellers, visitors and staff deserve to feel safe at the airport and shouldn’t be subjected to offensive or aggressive incidents,” he said.
“If anyone feels unsafe or witnesses anything suspicious inside the Perth Airport precinct, they are urged to contact Airport Watch or report it to the nearest AFP officer.”
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