A 63-year-old woman who sent a hoax message to police claiming she was carrying explosives to Buckingham Palace has been placed under a two-year supervision order.
Diane Durham, from Pudsey in West Yorkshire, sent the tweet to the Metropolitan Police on 17 May 2024 under a pseudonym. Officers were able to trace the communication to her home address. At the time, the Princess Royal was hosting a garden party at Buckingham Palace for the Not Forgotten Association, a charity supporting wounded veterans and serving personnel.
Durham was charged with knowingly providing false information to the authorities. She was later deemed unfit to plead or stand trial, and a trial of the facts was conducted. In this procedure, the jury determines whether the defendant committed the act without requiring her participation, and the verdict does not result in a criminal conviction. The jury concluded that Durham had sent the false message.
At Leeds Crown Court on Friday, Judge Simon Phillips imposed a two-year supervision order, noting that Durham had been cooperating with medical professionals and that her mental health had shown improvement.
The judge said Durham had acted “under a disability” at the time of the offence. He acknowledged the initial fears that the tweet might have posed a terror threat but confirmed that it was ultimately a hoax.
As part of the supervision order, Durham is required to report to a probation officer and continue her mental health treatment, including the use of prescribed medication. HHJ Phillips expressed hope for her continued progress, saying: “I wish you every success and your continued mindset will be beneficial to you and to those helping you.”
The case highlights the challenges posed when serious false reports intersect with mental health issues, particularly in high-security settings such as royal residences.
