Man jailed after Reading bomb hoax causes evacuations
Thirty-one-year-old Muzammil Ayyaz from Hounslow receives two-year prison sentence
A man has been jailed for two years after making fake bomb threats to the University of Reading.
Muzammil Ayyaz, aged 31, from Feltham, Hounslow, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court following a unanimous jury verdict that found him guilty of two counts of communicating false information about bombs.
The bomb hoaxes occurred on 15th and 19th September 2023, leading to evacuations of several university buildings, including the law faculty, library, and chancellor’s office, which were then attended by emergency services.
No bombs were found during the incidents.
Ayyaz, a former student expelled in March 2023, had made over 800 threatening phone calls to the university between June and September, using violent language and withholding his number while disguising his voice.
In addition to his jail time, Ayyaz received a five-year restraining order preventing him from contacting university staff or visiting any of the campuses.
During the trial, he claimed to be asking for help but was proven to have a vendetta against the university by the evidence presented.
Investigating officer DC Katie Ducker said: “These were not harmless hoaxes.
“The bomb threats triggered genuine emergency responses, caused significant disruption and led to the evacuation of buildings.
“During the trial, he acknowledged making the calls but claimed he was asking for help only. The overwhelming evidence proved he did not ask for help and had a clear vendetta against the university with the intent to cause fear and distress.
“I would like to commend the many members of university staff for their courage and resilience throughout the investigation and the trial. With their support, Ayyaz has been held to account and the sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions.