Kiwi fined by Australian court over airport bomb joke

File photo / Kenny Rodger

A New Zealand man has been fined by a Queensland court after telling airport staff he had bombs strapped to his ankles.

Thomas Owen Carberry, 22, pleaded guilty in Brisbane Magistrates Court today to making threats against aviation security, the Australian Associated Press reported.

He was fined A$500 ($660) and placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond.

The court was told Carberry, who was to catch a flight to Auckland, was asked by staff at Brisbane airport on Monday whether he was carrying any explosives or flammable substances.

"I have bombs strapped to my ankles," he replied.

The engineer, who works on oil rigs, was arrested shortly afterwards, AAP reported.

The court was told Carberry admitted drinking four or five bourbons at the airport before he made the comments.

He told police he had been joking and apologised for wasting their time.