An Australian man found himself in hot water after making a serious threat at Changi Airport while waiting to be repatriated to Perth. Marli Curtis Philip Moncrieff, 36, had his holiday plans derailed earlier this month when he was denied entry into Thailand and subsequently into Singapore due to a torn page in his passport. His frustrations boiled over, leading to a criminal charge.
Incident at Changi Airport
On 19 November 2024, Moncrieff arrived back in Singapore and was scheduled to catch a flight back home the following morning. However, as he waited at the airport, he expressed his anger by threatening, “I want the aircraft to crash and kill everyone.” A flight attendant overheard the threat, prompting immediate action from the flight crew.
Arrest and Charges
- Shortly after making the threats, Moncrieff was escorted off the Jetstar flight.
- Immigration officers assisted him in retrieving medication for anxiety and depression from his luggage.
- While in a lounge area, he was overheard saying he would repeat his threat if put on another flight.
Due to the nature of his remarks, an officer alerted the police, leading to his arrest later that day. Moncrieff faced charges of criminal intimidation, which he pleaded guilty to.
Sentencing and Context
On 15 January 2024, Principal District Judge Toh Han Li sentenced Moncrieff to eight weeks in jail. The judge noted that such threats pose a significant risk to aviation security and emphasised the need for general deterrence.
In court, Moncrieff’s defence highlighted his mental health struggles and described the emotional distress caused by losing his holiday plans—an investment that he had made significant financial and emotional commitments to. He expressed remorse and apologised for causing concern.
Legal Implications
Moncrieff’s case underscores the serious legal repercussions that can arise from uttering threats in an airport setting. Deputy Public Prosecutor Shaun Lim pointed out that while the threats did not result in any physical harm or emergencies, the capacity for words to disrupt and alarm in such environments cannot be underestimated.