Terror alert on train at Wakefield after passenger told conductor he had a bomb in his bag

Yassein Naaim police he knew Osama bin Laden after he was was arrested over the bomb hoax on September 26 last year.

Leeds Crown Court heard Naaim became angry on board the train when a ticket conductor tapped him on the arm as he thought the defendant was asleep.

Charles Blatchford, prosecuting, said the 29-year-old became aggressive and pushed the conductor.

Naaim was then asked to buy a ticket.

Mr Blatchford said: "At which point the defendant stated he had a bomb in the bag next to him."

"He looked at the defendant and his demeanour and thought the comment about the bomb was a genuine threat and he was scared."

Naaim was talking loudly and passengers in the carriage were alerted to the incident.

The train stopped at Westgate station in Wakefield and the passengers got off.

An off-duty security manager boarded the train when he became concerned that the train was not moving.

Mr Blatchford said: "With some courage he went back onto the train and saw the defendant was applying lipstick and make-up to himself, looking at his reflection in the window."

The security manager grabbed the bag when he saw that it did not contain anything suspicious.

Naaim followed him but the security manager held him in an arm-lock until police arrived to arrest him.

Officers asked Naaim why had made the comment about the bomb and he said he had done it because people were breaking wind on the train.

The defendant also made racist remarks in his interview.

When asked if he had any associations with terrorism he said he 'knew bin Laden'.

Naaim, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to communicating false information with intent and assault by beating.

The defendant appeared in court via a video link from the Bretton Centre, based at Fieldhead secure psychiatric hospital in Wakefield.

Dr Claire Gallagher said Naaim had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and had been responding well to treatment at the centre for five months.

Naaim's barrister, Phillip Morris, asked that his client be made the subject of a Hospital Order so he can continue to receive treatment and to enable his risk to the public to be managed.

"Particularly when it is on a method of public transport with a significant number of other passengers.

"It causes enormous distress, particularly at this time, and causes enormous annoyance to all involved.

"I am satisfied that you were unwell at the time."

The judge told Naaim that the offence would usually lead to a significant prison sentence.

He added: "Having regard to your circumstances, I am satisfied this is a case for help and treatment rather than for punishment."

Naaim was made the subject of a Hospital Order under the Mental Health Act.

Naaim will continue to receive treatment at the Bretton Centre until it is considered safe to release him back into the community.