Four men have admitted affray after a noxious substance was sprayed at Heathrow Airport, leaving 21 people requiring medical treatment. Tyrone Richards, 31, Anton Clarke-Butcher, 25, Omoneke Whyte, 30, and Denzel Eduardo, 28, all pleaded guilty on Tuesday at Isleworth Crown Court to the incident that occurred on December 7 last year.
Details of the Incident
The CS spray was discharged in a multi-storey car park at Terminal 3 of the west London airport. Paramedics treated 21 individuals who were affected, with five of them subsequently taken to hospital, according to the London Ambulance Service. CS spray is a synthetic chemical used by UK police to temporarily incapacitate individuals, similar to pepper spray.
Court Proceedings
Prosecutor Mark Trafford KC informed the court: “In the course of this affray, it is accepted by these defendants that CS gas was used and discharged in and outside of the airport, as a result of which two suitcases were taken from the complainants.” Judge Kwame Inyundo noted that the incident caused “injury” to the complainants and the wider public, and disrupted airport operations at the time.
Police Response and Aftermath
The Metropolitan Police previously stated that armed officers were called to the scene, but the incident was not treated as terrorism. Passengers faced disruptions, including delays to shuttle buses and trains, both departing and arriving at the airport.
Health Effects of CS Gas
According to the UK Health Security Agency, CS gas is an irritant that can cause a burning sensation in the eyes, chest tightness, coughing, and sneezing. It is one of the substances commonly referred to as tear gas.
Upcoming Sentencing
The four defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on September 11 at the same court.
