A 19‑year‑old man accused of making a report that prompted the evacuation of a Peter Kay concert at the Utilita Arena has appeared at Birmingham Crown Court by video link.
The defendant, named in court papers as Omar Majed, attended the hearing from HMP Brinsford on Monday. He did not speak during the brief proceeding, nodding only to confirm his identity, and remained in custody following orders from the judge.
Next steps in the case
Judge Andrew Smith KC scheduled a pre‑trial review for 30 September and confirmed Majed will remain in custody while medical assessments are completed. A trial date had previously been set for 3 November, but the defendant has not yet been formally arraigned because psychiatric reports are required.
“You will next appear before this court on September 30 this year. Between now and then, various doctors will need to speak to you and you should co‑operate with these doctors,”
The charge listed is communicating false information to police contrary to the Criminal Law Act. Court reporting notes described the defendant as wearing a grey prison T‑shirt and tracksuit bottoms; he sat beside a prison officer and at one point bowed before the video link was ended.
Background to the evacuation
The incident on 1 May led to the evacuation of the Utilita Arena and the cancellation of that evening’s show from Peter Kay’s national tour. West Midlands Police carried out searches and later said that “nothing suspicious was found”, thanking the public for their cooperation.
Organisers had said the performance was part of Kay’s Better Late Than Never tour, with proceeds going to a number of cancer charities.
Practical information for the public
- If you attended the 1 May performance and have information relevant to the investigation you should contact West Midlands Police.
- Court listings show the case will return to Birmingham Crown Court on 30 September for a pre‑trial review.
- The trial date mentioned in an earlier hearing remains listed for 3 November pending medical reports and arraignment.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1 May | Evacuation of Utilita Arena during Peter Kay show; searches found nothing suspicious |
| 27 July | Appearance at Birmingham Crown Court by video link |
| 30 September | Pre‑trial review (next court date) |
| 3 November | Previously listed trial date (pending reports) |
As proceedings continue, the court will rely on psychiatric reports before arraignment and any subsequent trial. For residents concerned about public event safety, this case underscores how alleged threats are handled by police and the courts — searches are carried out promptly and may result in lengthy criminal processes where medical assessments are needed.
Further updates will be published as hearings progress and when formal charges are brought or amended in open court.
