News - Local
Passenger on diverted plane to be freed on bond
Posted: Jan 16, 2010 7:53 AM by Associated Press
An airline passenger who prosecutors say prompted his flight to be tailed by two military jets after he locked himself in a bathroom to shave will be released on bond, but he won't be allowed to fly from Virginia to Denver for court appearances.
A federal judge said Friday that the prospect of Muhammad Abu Tahir flying would be "too frightening" to the public. That means Tahir, of Glen Allen, Va., will have to drive to Denver for future court dates.
Tahir is charged with interfering with a flight crew. He has not entered a plea.
Prosecutors say the 47-year-old had five airplane-size bottles of wine on the flight Jan. 8 and wouldn't leave the bathroom.
Tahir's attorney says his client is not a terrorist.
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