Alness man sparks security alert
A LATVIAN national who sparked a security alert at Inverness Airport when a security X-ray machine picked up a cannister of CS spray in his jacket was fined £1,200 at Inverness Sheriff Court on Tuesday.
Sheriff Margaret Neilson was told by procurator fiscal Sharon Ralph that security checks were carried out on Mordis Karklins, from Alness, as a result of the incident. But he did not figure on any lists of persons of interest to security agencies.
Karklins (27) of Shillinghill, Alness was about to board a flight to Bristol when he placed his jacket and other items on a tray in the security area at the airport. The tray went through an X-ray and Mrs Ralph said staff identified an aerosol spray canister and found it was a can of incapacitant CS spray which is used by the police.
Karklins admitted having possession of an incapacitant spray at the airport on October 23, 2010 contrary to the Aviation Act, 1982.
"The article was retained and Karklins identified himself as the owner of the jacket," said the fiscal.
She said he was taken to the security office at the airport and police were called.
"There was oriental writing on the canister which was believed to have been sourced from the internet," she added.
"Given the climate we live in relation to air travel checks were made on Karklins and he did not figure on any lists of names of interest to security agencies and it’s fair to say he did not try and secrete this cannister.
"He seemed oblivious to the fact you were not allowed to take these things into an airport."
Solicitor Iain Innes said it was quite an unusual offence and Karklins' reason for having the spray was contained in reports to the court.
Mr Innes said Karklins had a child who lived in his native country of Latvia.
"He bought it (the spray) on eBay on an American site which assures buyers it is legal. But one can buy a Howitzer field gun in America and it is legal," added Mr Innes.
"He was going on holiday to Bristol and forgot the item was in his jacket."
Sheriff Neilson said it was extraordinary that he should have take such an item into an airport.
"You have pleaded guilty to a very serious charge which carries a sentence of up to five years' imprisonment," she told Karklins.
"I accept your explanation for having it and it’s clear you were not trying to conceal it so unusually I am going to deal with this offence by way of a fine."
Karklins was fined £1,200.
Karklins said afterwards he had the spray for self-protection.
