A man has been left facing a substantial bill after causing damage to an electronic boarding gate at Birmingham Airport.
Michael Gannon pleaded guilty to criminal damage in connection with an incident that took place on November 8 last year.
The 49-year-old, originally from Dublin in the Republic of Ireland, also admitted a racially or religiously aggravated disorder offence relating to the same date.
The cost of the damaged boarding gate was initially estimated at £21,000.
The charge stated: “On 8/11/2025, without lawful excuse, destroyed or damaged an electronic boarding gate at Birmingham Airport, to the value of approximately £21,000, belonging to Birmingham Airport intending to destroy or damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged.”, reports Birmingham Live.
The case had previously been adjourned at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court after the valuation was called into question.
Michael Gannon(Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)
At a hearing on Friday, July 24, prosecuting counsel Jonathan Purser told the court there was ‘good news’ for Gannon.
Having read out an email to those present, he confirmed the actual figure was closer to £10,256.81.
However, that amount still required further examination, and district judge Michelle Smith adjourned the case once more until later this year.
Gannon was permitted to remain on unconditional bail.
CoventryLive has a number of newsletters to help you keep up to date with what’s important.
There’s a Coventry newsletter that goes out twice a day, morning and evening, with all the latest headlines.
Plus we have a dedicated Warwickshire newsletter which goes out once a day. And there’s a crime and courts newsletter you can also sign up for – this goes out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can sign up to receive these free to your email inbox here. Keep up to date with events, restaurant openings, family attractions and more with our What’s On newsletter here.
For those who prefer to receive their news via WhatsApp, CoventryLive run a WhatsApp community where you can receive the biggest Coventry headlines and breaking news straight to your phone. Sign up here.