John Smeaton (baggage handler)
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John Smeaton QGM |
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| Born | 1976 Bishopton, Scotland |
| Residence | Erskine |
| Occupation | Senior Ramp Assistant |
| Known for |
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John Smeaton QGM (born Bishopton, Renfrewshire in 1976) is a former baggage handler at Glasgow International Airport. He became involved in thwarting the 2007 Glasgow International Airport Attack. Smeaton lives in Erskine, Renfrewshire, a town outside the city and near the airport. Brought up in Erskine, he was educated at Park Mains High School. Smeaton stood as an Independent candidate in the 2009 Glasgow North East by-election.
Smeaton, a baggage handler, was off duty when he saw the incident start to develop on 30 June 2007. He later recalled his first thoughts on being confronted by the two desperate suspects who drove a burning jeep filled with explosives into the airport entrance. He heard three explosions during his break: "What's the score? I've got to get this sorted."
He added "I thought, 'That's no right, ' and ran over to assist. All that was going through my mind was I've got to help the policeman, I'm not letting these guys get away with this."
It was reported that Smeaton shouted "fuckin' mon, then" and aimed a kick in the testicles at Kafeel Ahmed, who later died from his 90% burns following the attack.
During the incident Smeaton also helped drag Michael Kerr to safety after Kerr, another person to intervene in the event, had been left lying with a broken leg beside the burning jeep after kicking Mr Ahmed himself.
The incident has been described as inspiring others to take personal initiative and act decisively in a crisis. Newsagent and former policeman Mohammed Afzah cited Smeaton as inspiration for his facing down and repelling a would-be armed robber.
In late July, Smeaton returned to his old job as a baggage handler at the airport. Later in the year he accepted a job as head of security at a nearby company.
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