Banned For Life From Robin Hood Airport

From our "think before you Tweet" department, consider the story of Paul Chambers, a British man who was concerned about his flight from Robin Hood Airport near Doncaster being cancelled due to snow in January. He posted a message on the micro-blogging site saying "Robin Hood airport is closed. You've got a week and a bit to get your (deleted) together, otherwise I'm blowing the airport sky high!!"

Mr. Chambers was found guilty Monday on charges of "sending a message by means of a public electronic message that was grossly offensive, or of an indecent, obscene, or menacing character contrary to the Communications Act 2003."

Chambers insisted that his message was intended as a joke, and the Times of London reports that the airport found the threat to be "non-credible." But Chambers was still found guilty by a Magistrate's Court in Doncaster, fined nearly $570 and ordered to pay almost $9,00 in court costs, as well as a small victims fee.

Chambers also lost his job as a result of the arrest.

District Judge Jonathan Bennett said Chambers' message was of a "menacing nature in the context of the time we live in."

The "Twittershere" is reportedly outraged, and similar "threats" are apparently appearing on numerous accounts, so how this will all play out is still unclear. But rather like being absolutely certain that you want to click "send" on that e-mail to your boss, the story should really make you think before you Tweet.

FMI: www.doncaster.gov.uk/advice_and_benefits/the_law_victims_and_courts/doncaster_magistrates_court.asp