English comedian Peter Kay
A 19-year-old accused of triggering a bomb scare at a Peter Kay comedy show was removed from court after repeatedly interrupting proceedings. Omar Majed was taken down to the cells midway through a brief hearing at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday after failing to comply with instructions from the judge.District Judge Michelle Smith, appearing via video link, repeatedly directed Majed to remain quiet and seated. However, after he objected to proposed bail conditions, describing them as “not acceptable”, he was escorted out before the hearing concluded.Majed, from Saltley in Birmingham, faces a charge of communicating false information to police about a bomb being present at the venue.Prosecutors alleged that he indicated to a police constable and others that an explosive device may have been left inside the arena.He did not enter a plea during the hearing and was remanded in custody. The court ruled that the seriousness of the case warrants trial at the Crown Court, where he is due to appear in June.The court heard that the incident had “serious repercussions”, as nearly 13,000 people were expected to attend the event. Authorities ordered a full evacuation of Birmingham’s Utilita Arena, which can hold over 15,000 spectators.Police later confirmed that extensive searches found no suspicious items, describing the evacuation as a precautionary response to a reported threat.Comedian Peter Kay was forced to abandon his performance around 45 minutes after taking the stage on Friday evening. Witnesses said two individuals approached him mid-show before he was quickly ushered off.Initially, many in the audience believed the interruption was part of the act. However, the situation soon became clear as announcements were made and the venue lights were turned on, prompting a controlled evacuation.Videos circulating online showed large crowds leaving the arena while police vehicles arrived at the scene. Despite the scale of the response, officials later confirmed that the venue was safe.The cancelled event was part of Peter Kay’s “Better Late Than Never” national tour, with proceeds intended for multiple cancer charities. Organisers said ticket holders would be contacted with further updates. Police investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
