A suspect charged with a bomb hoax at a Swindon primary school has pleaded not guilty.
36-year-old James Morgan denies communicating false information when he appeared at Swindon Magsitrates’ Court today (Thursday).
It comes after a call was made to Badbury Park Primary School on Tuesday (27 February), with the caller stating explosives had been planted on the site.
The police were contacted and emergency services swarmed the scene, evacuating pupils, teachers, local residents and the nearby Co-op.
The defendant, of Rabley Wood View, Marlborough, was remanded in custody to appear at Swindon Crown Court on 28 March for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
In a statement following Morgan’s arrest, Superintendent Steve Cox said: “Hoax calling is an offence we treat extremely seriously as it draws emergency workers away from legitimate incidents where there is a real risk to people’s lives.
“The rapid and thorough investigation from my officers demonstrates our intolerance to this sort of criminality.
“Thank you to those who were affected by this incident for your patience while the situation was resolved.
“We hope the swift progression of this investigation reassures you that we are committed to keeping Wiltshire safe.”