Singapore Airlines Passenger Denied Bail After Bomb Threat Chaos
The 37‑year‑old American passenger, La Andy Hien Duc, was denied bail on Thursday after his alleged bomb threat on a Singapore Airlines flight. The court decided he poses a danger to the public and will keep him in custody.
What Went Down on the Flight
- On Sept. 29, La Hien Duc was charged with using threatening words and causing hurt while aboard flight SQ33 from San Francisco to Singapore.
- He shouted that there was a bomb on the plane and grabbed a passenger’s luggage from the overhead bin.
- The reckless passenger also assaulted a cabin crew member who tried to stop him.
- He vanished from the courtroom on Thursday, failure to show up after being summoned.
Why Bail Was a No‑Go
Deputy Public Prosecutor Lim Ying Min argued strongly against releasing Hien Duc. In her written submissions she said:
- The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) psychiatrist assessed that him being a hazard to society.
- His schizophrenia diagnosis and absence of a steady residence make him a flight risk.
- He has a history of cannabis use; drugs could trigger a relapse.
- There’s no real anchor here – no property or job in Singapore – meaning he might simply abscond if bailed, shaking public trust.
The court, with Judge Terence Tay, took the prosecutor’s side and ruled no bail would be granted.
Quick Facts About the Incident
- The flight departed 10:26 PM on Sept. 26 from San Francisco and landed at 5:58 AM in Singapore’s Changi Airport.
- There were 208 passengers on board.
- Hien Duc’s threat was first reported to police at about 2:40 AM on Sept. 28.
- Two Republic of Singapore Air Force fighter jets were used to escort the aircraft until landing.
- Singapore’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the bomb claim was false.
Defence Lawyer’s Request
Legally, the defence lawyer Johannes Hadi from Eugene Thuraisingam’s firm requested access to his client. The judge granted him that privilege.
<img alt="" data-caption="Flight data from tracking site Flightradar24 showed the plane made three loops over the South China Sea, before continuing on to Singapore.
PHOTO: Flightradar24″ data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”282d8a61-3616-4f36-bec3-6bc693dac0fe” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/flightdata.jpg”/>
Singapore Laws Apply Even When Crime Happens in the Sky
Did you know that if a crime pops up on a Singapore‑controlled aircraft cruising in the open air, the culprit can still be hauled to a Singapore court? Under the Tokyo Convention Act of 1971, the crew’s jurisdiction isn’t limited by borders – it’s all about who’s in charge of the plane.
Case in Point – A Naughty Flight
A man with a questionable past was found aboard a Singapore‑controlled aircraft. The Central Narcotics Bureau ran a quick check and, spoiler alert: controlled drugs were spotted in his urine.
Words That Hit the Shock Punchline
- If you toss around threatening words that stir up panic, you’re looking at a fine of $5,000.
- Don’t forget: words can be deadly—literally.
When Someone Voluntarily Causes Hurt
- Maximum three years behind bars.
- Or a hefty $5,000 fine.
- Both are on the table – pick your poison.
Hien Duc’s Upcoming Court Date
Hien Duc’s slated to appear before the judge on October 27. All eyes will be on him as he tries to clear his name (or maybe, just try to sit in a courtroom without having to straighten his tie for eternity).
Source
The scoop first landed in The Straits Times. Reproduction requires permission.
