Man charged over Tesco bomb threats
A man has been remanded in custody at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court after being charged with four offences following a series of bomb threats involving Tesco stores across the country.
Philip McHugh, 51, from Clitheroe, Lancs, faces two charges of blackmail and two of making bomb hoaxes. He will appear at Luton Crown Court on August 10 Hertfordshire Police said no other person is being sought in connection with the inquiry.
Herts Assistant Chief Constable Gary Kitching said at a press conference at Tesco, Brookfield Farm, Cheshunt, this morning that although financial demands were made against Tesco, at no point did the company pay out any money.
He said throughout the whole inquiry public safety was of paramount importance and the successful charging of McHugh had come about “through the hard work and tenacity” of officers and police staff not only from Hertfordshire but from other forces.
The constabulary worked closely with Tesco, the Serious Organised Crime Agency and Food Standards Agency.Tesco’s retail and logistics director David Potts welcomed the speedy conclusion of the investigation.
He said: “These were of course worrying threats and I am pleased that an individual has been arrested and charged.”He thanked customers for their understanding about the disruption.
