A 63-year-old woman who sent a hoax message to police claiming
she was carrying explosives to Buckingham Palace has been placed
under a two-year supervision order.
Diane Durham, from Pudsey in West Yorkshire, sent the tweet to
the Metropolitan Police on 17 May 2024 under a pseudonym. Officers
were able to trace the communication to her home address. At the
time, the Princess Royal was hosting a garden party at Buckingham
Palace for the Not Forgotten Association, a charity supporting
wounded veterans and serving personnel.
Durham was charged with knowingly providing false information to
the authorities. She was later deemed unfit to plead or stand
trial, and a trial of the facts was conducted. In this procedure,
the jury determines whether the defendant committed the act without
requiring her participation, and the verdict does not result in a
criminal conviction. The jury concluded that Durham had sent the
false message.
At Leeds Crown Court on Friday, Judge Simon Phillips imposed a
two-year supervision order, noting that Durham had been cooperating
with medical professionals and that her mental health had shown
improvement.
The judge said Durham had acted “under a disability” at the time
of the offence. He acknowledged the initial fears that the tweet
might have posed a terror threat but confirmed that it was
ultimately a hoax.
As part of the supervision order, Durham is required to report
to a probation officer and continue her mental health treatment,
including the use of prescribed medication. HHJ Phillips expressed
hope for her continued progress, saying: “I wish you every success
and your continued mindset will be beneficial to you and to those
helping you.”
The case highlights the challenges posed when serious false
reports intersect with mental health issues, particularly in
high-security settings such as royal residences.
Comments are closed.