An unemployed man managed to board a plane without a passport or ticket, enjoying a free meal on the flight from London to New York. This story revealed a major security breach at England’s largest airport.
This story occurred on December 23 when many people were going on vacation for Christmas. Craig Sturt, 46, allegedly avoided check-in before heading through Terminal 5’s security gates.
He allegedly passed various security and passport control checkpoints, simply by “tailgating” a passenger in front. He would therefore not have had to present any documents. Several passengers having missed their connection at Heathrow airport, the unemployed man was able to board the British Airways plane.
This story thus demonstrates a huge flaw in airport security and pushes Secretary of State, James Cleverly, to demand explanations.
“The man could have had anything on him. “It is unimaginable that this could have happened in an era of high-tech, anti-terrorist airport surveillance,” a source told the British media. The Sun.
Craig Sturt was eventually arrested by American authorities who escorted him to England. However, the man disappeared on January 22. So, Thames Valley Police issued a notice on January 30 to find the fugitive.
“It’s ridiculous that this could happen. If Craig, with a troubled past, could escape safety, then anyone else with sinister motivations could do the same. Heads should roll. How could this have happened?” said the latter’s brother, Lee Smith, in an interview with The Sun.