No show for airport threat

Photo: Contributed

Michael Howells being arrested at Kelowna airport.

The 36-year-old Alberta man who threatened a WestJet flight in October 2014 was nowhere to be seen at his sentencing hearing Tuesday morning, prompting his lawyer to withdraw from the case.

Michael Howells pleaded guilty to one count of mischief and one count of public mischief last August for calling the Kelowna International Airport on Oct. 25, 2014, and threatening a flight that was set to depart later in the day.

Michael Howells was also charged with endangering an aircraft with false information, uttering threats to burn, destroy or damage and possession of a controlled substance, but he did not plead guilty to those charges.

The plane, which was en route to the airport at the time, was redirected away from Kelowna, and the plane, luggage and passengers were searched. Nothing of concern was found.

Howells, who has since remained out of custody, was scheduled to appear for his sentencing hearing Tuesday morning, but never showed up.

After it was clear that Howells was not coming, his defence lawyer asked to withdraw from the case.

Since Howells' guilty plea in August, a pre-sentence report has been prepared for the case.

His extensive criminal record extends back to 2002 and includes possessing stolen property, theft and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

A warrant will now be put out for Howells' arrest.