A 41-year-old British national has been sentenced to seven weeks in jail after an aggressive confrontation with airport security personnel at Singapore’s Changi Airport, where he verbally abused a female auxiliary police officer and grabbed her chest.
Lindley Scott David John was convicted on 16 April 2025 of three separate offences stemming from the 8 March incident, according to a statement from the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
The altercation occurred after Lindley, who had arrived from Bangkok, was unable to locate his checked-in luggage at Terminal 2’s baggage claim area.
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The Incident
After failing to find his luggage, Lindley exited the baggage claim hall to search for his employer, who had been on the same flight and whom he suspected might have taken his bag.
When his boss confirmed he didn’t have the missing luggage, Lindley attempted to re-enter the restricted baggage claim area through a staff entrance – a move that prompted intervention from a female auxiliary police officer (APO).
The officer stopped Lindley, informing him he was not authorised to enter through that access point.
Instead of complying, Lindley ignored her instructions and began hurling vulgarities at her, even pointing his middle finger in a display of aggression.
When the officer attempted to prevent him from proceeding further, Lindley grabbed her chest as he tried to push past her.
Other auxiliary police officers who intervened were also subjected to physical pushing and verbal abuse.
Police were alerted to the disturbance at approximately 7:45 pm.
Charges and Sentencing
In court on 16 April, Lindley was convicted of three specific offences:
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Using insulting communication against a public servant under the Protection from Harassment Act 2014, which carries a maximum penalty of 12 months imprisonment and/or a fine up to S$5,000
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Using criminal force to deter a public servant from the discharge of their duty under the Penal Code 1871, an offence punishable by up to four years in jail and/or a fine
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Drunkenness in public places under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act, which can result in imprisonment for up to six months and/or a fine up to S$1,000
For these violations, Lindley received a seven-week jail sentence.
Police Response
The Singapore Police Force issued a strong statement following the sentencing, emphasising their “serious view” of harassment and aggressive behaviour directed at public servants and airport staff.
“We will not condone any such behaviours, and offenders will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law,” the police statement read, noting that these personnel are performing critical duties to safeguard Singapore’s airport security.
Pattern of Incidents
This case marks the second incident involving a British national behaving aggressively at Changi Airport within a two-day period.
Just one day earlier, on 7 March 2025, 57-year-old Richard Michael Roll Burridge created a disturbance after misplacing his mobile phone on a Singapore Airlines flight bound for London.
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Burridge verbally abused airline staff and kicked an aerobridge wall panel, causing over S$1,600 in damages.
He was subsequently offloaded from his flight, only to discover later that his phone had been under his airplane seat the entire time.
Burridge pleaded guilty to harassment and mischief charges and was fined S$5,000 (S$2,500 for each offence).
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