The man verbally abused airport staff and damaged a wall panel before later finding his phone.
A 57-year-old British national was fined S$5,000 for harassing staff and damaging property at Changi Airport after losing his phone — which he later found under his seat.
On March 8, during boarding for a London-bound Singapore Airlines flight at Changi Airport Terminal 3, Richard Michael Roll Burridge became agitated after misplacing his mobile phone. His frustration led to aggressive behaviour that disrupted airport operations and resulted in a criminal charge.
At around 11:40pm, Burridge realised his mobile phone was missing. Using another device, he contacted his wife, who tracked the phone to a transit lounge using the “Find My Phone” app. After informing the cabin crew, Burridge disembarked from the aircraft to retrieve the phone.
A traffic liaison officer advised Burridge that leaving the secure gate area would result in being offloaded. When informed that the lounge staff could not find his phone, Burridge verbally abused her. Enraged, he kicked a panel on the aerobridge wall, causing over S$1,600 in damage.
Burridge returned to the aircraft accompanied by the staff. Still visibly upset, he was asked whether he intended to stay on the flight, which further agitated him. After police were called, he eventually located the missing phone — beneath his airplane seat.
On March 20, Burridge pleaded guilty to one charge each of harassment and mischief. He was fined S$2,500 per offence. The prosecution cited his behaviour as abusive, insulting, and disruptive, stressing the importance of safety for airport staff.
Airport Police Commander Assistant Commissioner M. Malathi reaffirmed that abusive behaviour toward staff would not be tolerated. Burridge’s case serves as a reminder that emotional reactions do not justify verbal or physical misconduct in high-security
Incidents like this reinforce Singapore’s strict stance on behaviour that disrupts public order, particularly in critical infrastructure like airports. With increasing scrutiny on passenger conduct, the case may shape future enforcement practices and traveller expectations.
Sources: Mothership (2025), Must Share News (2025)
Keywords: Changi Airport Fine, British Man Changi, Verbal Abuse Singapore, Airport Property Damage
