Bomb Threats at Airports and More Made by Teen With Severe Autism

A “severely autistic teen” in Ireland is currently in a court case because of alleged prank bomb threat phone calls.

A teen from Ireland is fighting a court battle right now after a series of alleged prank calls about bomb threats to locations across the U.S. Ben Megarry, who is 19, is facing 23 different charges from 2012. He targeted schools, iconic spots and airports including LAX, JFK and Kansas City International, a Kansas baseball stadium, Mann’s Chinese Theatre in LA, Columbine High School, a Florida county sheriff’s office, a Missouri Walmart, Central Avenue in Cheyenne, and Detroit’s Ambassador Bridge. The Police Service of Northern Ireland is manning the case.

But the case, though big, is currently in a holding pattern. Megarry has severe autism and needs special counsel for the lawsuit. A preliminary enquiry is establishing whether a case exists.

“The defendant is severely autistic and he is understandably getting support from a number of charities.” Michael Madden, Megarry’s lawyer, told the Irish Times. “They have suggested intermediary services could be involved at this stage.”

The judge, Liam McNally, was hesitant to add aids because of a potential court rule that intermediary services are not allowed; however, However, “he accepted that exceptions may be possible for proceedings to have an accused committed for trial.”

According to the Irish Times, Megarry faces 23 counts of “communicating false information causing belief of explosives.” The case was adjourned and delayed shortly after it arrived in court. It’s expected to convene on March 10.

[Photo: Getty]