Hoax caller impersonates pilots or ATC in Melbourne

[nlagalle]

I still don't understand how the hoaxer can successfully make it sound like he's 'up in the air' when he is in reality 'on the ground.'

Considering the mic is just picking up your voice it's pretty easy if you know the phrases and terminology

 

[Melburnian1]

I wonder how they found this person.

Perhaps he was silly enough to do it 'once too often' after the police had become aware of the transmissions. An alternative is that another radio or transceiver enthusiast recognised the voice. Whatever, some more may come out in court. Media will be in attendance no doubt - not that this always results in the facts being correctly aired.

 

[samh004]

Troubling but there was a mention of alleged autism or similar in one report I quickly scanned. Perhaps he was unaware of the consequences of his actions but he must be facing either time in a youth training centre (difficult as that is in Victoria at present given that the largest one has just been trashed), an adult gaol or committal to an establishment such as Thomas Embling that caters for the mentally ill.

I mentioned this elsewhere, but autism is a good buzzword to throw around these days. Many judges are unaware of the true meaning of the word and a well-paid psychologist can make anything seem believeable. Aspergers was a good one until the DSM V came out, and high/low functioning can be spun any which way.

The issue ultimately comes down to whether he realised the consequences of his actions or not, and speaking from experience as a poster of this forum with autism, I can tell you I was pretty clueless about life up until a few years ago. There are a host of factors to consider, and while I think what he did was reckless and stupid, if there was no intent to harm, then I don't believe in destroying his life. Yes, there could have been very real harm brought about by their actions, but there wasn't thankfully, and now it's time to sort out what their intentions were.

 

[fairbasa]

Apparently he was an ex-VA employee:

Teenage would-be pilot charged over hoax coughpit calls was sacked by Virgin

 

[samh004]

Apparently he was an ex-VA employee:

Teenage would-be pilot charged over hoax coughpit calls was sacked by Virgin

Little by little, more information comes out. How his former employment plays into his actions seems yet to be determined, but there's nothing new about his disability, or lack of.

 

[Quickstatus]

Hopefully now he can get some help to re direct his life. Would require some insight though.
I wonder how he was caught?. Maybe someone recognised his voice?

 

[Melburnian1]

I wonder how he was caught? Maybe someone recognised his voice?

I suggested this a small number of posts above.

All of us should now let the court processes occur in the usual way. It is enlightening to have samh004's considered and relevant input.

 

[Quickstatus]

Yes and it appeared that I'm asking the same question twice.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Not guilty on this occasion.

 

[Melburnian1]

Simply as a matter of record because there are numerous Internet media reports, the gent alleged to be the perpetrator appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday 28 November and was again remanded in custody until what the magistrate Jelena Popovic indicated was a likely release on bail on 14 December 2016, but the latter awaits a psychological report.

The alleged hoaxer claims through his solicitor to have been finding life difficult on remand as he has been sharing a cell with various males in their 40s and 50s, at least one of whom was a drug addict. The latter is not particularly unusual in prisons (sadly).

Without wishing to stray too far from the subject matter, since it's an area I know little about, is it appropriate for autism sufferers to be incarcerated (or on remand in custody)? I am not especially referring to the current case - just a quick general question. Or is 'autism' claimed as a 'catch all' defence by barristers and solicitors to try to get their clients out of prison, or ultimately exonerated?

 

[Dr_Goz]

Or is 'autism' claimed as a 'catch all' defence by barristers and solicitors to try to get their clients out of prison, or ultimately exonerated?

Generally is a catch all defence. In this situation, I think the AFP have a solid case that he knew what he was doing.

 

[moa999]

Some more info from the news this evening rhT the accused worked for/for an agent of one of the majors as a ground handler

 

[puppysparkes]

Generally is a catch all defence. In this situation, I think the AFP have a solid case that he knew what he was doing.

A couple of barrister mates advise me that a brief for the first mentioned can be inflated and unsupported by the facts. Apparently the intent is to ensure alleged perpetrators are not released back into the community and can be located for proceedings. I doubt that was the intent with this matter though.

 

[nlagalle]

Some more info from the news this evening rhT the accused worked for/for an agent of one of the majors as a ground handler

Yeah he was a ground handler for VA

 

[Melburnian1]

On Thursday 22 December, a Victorian magistrate released the person who was charged on bail, suggesting that there is little prospect he would spend more time 'inside' even if convicted:

Bail for man accused of making hoax radio calls to airport, pilots

 

[oh_lol]

So just claim some mental health issues and you're off the hook? Nice justice system we have here.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

So just claim some mental health issues and you're off the hook?

No. But it is one factor which can be taken into consideration.

 

[DC3]

So just claim some mental health issues and you're off the hook? Nice justice system we have here.

Or, better still, portray yourself as a (or the) victim. Sort of like this.... "I have done this (sort of thing) previously. This was a cry for help, but no-one listened .... ".

Sound too harsh?

 

[Melburnian1]

Or, better still, portray yourself as a (or the) victim. Sort of like this.... "I have done this (sort of thing) previously. This was a cry for help, but no-one listened .... "

Then your barrister or solicitor runs through the whole of your life - how your parents did not treat you well, how you were bullied at school....sounds very familiar.

None of the magistrates in Victoria read the 'Herald Sun' - just the leftie 'The Age.'

If all else fails, the defendant or his legal representative can always blame Tony Abbott. Works a treat!

 

[jb747]

Pillories. No lasting harm done, but after a weekend in one, I'd not expect too many return visits. Good example too.

Sorry, my sympathy for this behaviour is limited.