Court order for woman over fake palace bomb threat

A woman who sent a bogus tweet to police claiming she was on her way to Buckingham Palace with a backpack of explosives has been sentenced.

Diane Durham sent the message to the Metropolitan Police on 17 May 2024 under a false name but officers were able to trace the details to her home address in Pudsey, West Yorkshire.

The 63-year-old was charged with knowingly providing false information but was declared unfit to enter a plea or stand trial and a trial of fact was held instead, where it was found she had committed the act.

On Friday at Leeds Crown Court, Durham was issued with a two-year supervision order after the judge heard she had been cooperating with doctors and her mental health was improving.

Judge Simon Phillips told the court Durham had been acting "under a disability" when the offence took place and while the tweet had initially been feared to be a terror threat that was not the case.

On the day in question, the Princess Royal had hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace for the Not Forgotten Association, a charity which supports veterans and wounded serving personnel.

A trial of the facts involves the prosecution setting out the case to a jury, but the defendant does not have to play a part in proceedings or be present in court.

The jury then decides if the defendant committed the alleged offence, but their conclusion cannot result in a criminal conviction.

Judge Phillips said since the verdict Durham had been "actively cooperating" with mental health services and taking anti-psychotic medication.

As part of the supervision order Durham must report to a probation officer and continue to be treated for her mental health.

Judge Phillips added: "I wish you every success and your continued mindset will be beneficial to you and to those helping you."

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