Craig Sturt is now missing in the UK after being deported by US security officials when he landed at JFK Airport without any documentation
An investigation into security procedures at Heathrow is under way after a man was allegedly able to catch a flight to New York without a ticket or a passport.
Craig Sturt, 46, boarded a British Airways plane after apparently tailgating another passenger through passport checks at Heathrow’s Terminal 5.
After arriving in the US at JFK Airport he was detained by security officials who found he had no documentation and sent him back to the UK on a charter flight.
He was subsequently charged with fraud and offences under the Aviation Security Act when he arrived back in the country on Christmas Day.
He was due to appear at Uxbridge magistrates’ court in January but a warrant for his arrest was issued after he failed to turn up.
Thames Valley Police issued an alert on Jan 30 alongside a photo of Mr Sturt.
It stated: “Please can you help us find Craig? The 46-year-old is 6ft, slim, with short dark brown hair.
“When he was last seen he was wearing a grey jacket, a top, black jogging bottoms and white trainers.
“Craig was last seen in Reading, but is from Slough and also has links to Heathrow and the Tottenham Court Road in London. If you see Craig, please do not approach him, instead call 999.”
He remains at large and an investigation is ongoing.
The Metropolitan Police, which is now handling the case, said: “Sturt was reported missing to Thames Valley Police on Jan 25.
Security kept under constant review
“On Jan 31 the case was transferred to the MPS and an investigation is now ongoing, led by the Central North Command Unit.”
They added: “We continue to work with all our partners to review and enhance the already robust security measures in place which are kept under constant review by the wider security partnership.”
A spokesman for Heathrow insisted that Mr Sturt, despite not having a passport, would still have gone through security screening.
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