A PROMISING young airman's career was in ruins yesterday after he sparked a bomb scare at one of the region's airports.

Kenneth Peter Drummond, originally from Cowshill Green, Stockton, joked that he had explosives in his hand luggage as the British Midland flight from Teesside to London Heathrow was about to take off, on November 16.

The 23-year-old, based at RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland, appeared before Darlington Magistrates yesterday and admitted making the bomb threat, a false statement contrary to section 21A of the Aviation Security Act.

He was fined £500 and ordered to pay £55 court costs.

David Maddison, prosecuting, said the flight had been delayed for two hours and while cabin crew were checking the hand luggage on the jet, one flight attendant asked Drummond to identify his bags.

The senior aircraftsman pointed to a rolled-up sleeping bag and said: "There's my bomb in there."

When the cabin crew interviewed him further, he said: "It's only a joke - where's your sense of humour?"

The incident, which sparked a major security alert, delayed the plane while every piece of luggage was checked.

Chris Bunting, in mitigation, said: "Mr Drummond has never been in trouble before."

He added that Drummond, who was described as "a well-regarded member of his unit", would have to put his career prospects on hold as the conviction would go on his RAF record.