Karl Crookall, 40, of Fieldfare Close, Thornton, charged with possessing dangerous articles on board an aircraft and having a prohibited weapon, has made his first appeance at court.

The offences allegedly involve a nine millimetre F92 self loading gas pistol and 49 rounds of nine millimetre blank cartridges.

The weapons and cartridges as said to have been found in Crookall's suitcase in the hold of a Ryanair aircraft when it landed at Blackpool Airport on September 21 last year after its flight from Girona.

Prosecutor Pam Smith asked for the case to be heard at Crown Court.
Hugh Pond defending told magistrates:"My client vehemently denies these allegations"

Crookall's application that the press be banned from using his name was refused by magistrates.

Magistrates said the case must be heard at Crown Court.
Crookall was bailed to April 8 for the committal of his case to the higher court.