Story perspectives

Heathrow tear gas robbery: four men jailed 21–27 months

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 10:21 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Judges Sentence Heathrow Attackers

UK judges sentenced four men to 21-27 months for spraying tear gas and stealing suitcases at Heathrow.
The attack occurred at 8 a.m. on 7 December in a Terminal 3 car-park lift.
More than 20 people were affected, with five of the 21 victims requiring hospital treatment.
Terminal 3 lockdown caused shuttle-bus and train delays across the airport.

Summary

Barista Coughs Blood

Prosecutor Gary Rutter said he could not determine the exact cause of the gas release.
Barista testified she felt fine, then instantly began coughing and vomiting blood.
Customer service agent felt dizzy while assisting a wheelchair user who needed an inhaler.
A man ordering a taxi reported 20 to 30 people coughing and struggling to breathe after the gas release.

History

Historical Context

On 20 March 1995, Aum Shinrikyo members released sarin on three Tokyo Metro lines during rush hour, killing 14 people and hospitalising about 5,500 passengers. The attack followed the cult’s failed 1994 Matsumoto sarin bombing and prompted Japan’s police, health agencies and Self-Defense Forces to overhaul chemical-terror response protocols, leading to lasting security upgrades in transit hubs.

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Judges Sentence Heathrow Attackers

UK judges sentenced four men to 21-27 months for spraying tear gas and stealing suitcases at Heathrow.
The attack occurred at 8 a.m. on 7 December in a Terminal 3 car-park lift.
More than 20 people were affected, with five of the 21 victims requiring hospital treatment.
Terminal 3 lockdown caused shuttle-bus and train delays across the airport.

1 / 3