A MUSIC teacher is believed to be one of the first Brits to be convicted of using a fake Covid test certificate to try to board a flight.
Philip Cunningham, 33, was stopped at Heathrow Airport on May 4 after staff spotted the Covid test number on his bogus certificate was missing a digit when he checked in to his flight to Egypt.
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Cops were called to the airport to question the Birmingham man, but he maintained he had tested negative the day before, Ealing Magistrates heard today.
When officers contacted the testing company they had no record of him getting a test with them.
Cunningham was arrested and taken in for questioning at Heathrow Airport Police Station.
Prosecutor Izola Gribbin said: “He told police officers: ‘Yes I did it, I sent them on a wild goose chase. I’m a music teacher, this could ruin my life’.”
District Judge Chris Hack said: “This is a serious matter and this is a matter which requires an all-options report.
“The court will consider all options including committal for sentence to a higher court.”
The bearded Brummie appeared at Ealing Magistrates Court wearing a beaded necklace, a newsboy cap, and multi-coloured trainers, speaking only to confirm his name and address.
Cunningham, Birmingham, admitted fraud by false representation.
