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Terror attack hero Smeaton quits Scotland for United States, but vows 'I'll be back'



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Published Date: 18 June 2008
By Louise Hosie
AIRPORT terror attack hero John Smeaton yesterday revealed he is quitting Scotland for a new life in the United States.
The former baggage handler is moving in with his American girlfriend and plans to set off on a tour of the US.

But the 32-year-old, who became an overnight celebrity after helping police foil the terror attack on Glasgow Airport, vowed to return t
o Scotland in the future, adding: "I'll be back."

He has quit his job with a Glasgow security firm and plans to join girlfriend Christy MacPhedran in New York next month.

He said his tour would include Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Smeaton said: "I am just taking some time out and having a wee tour to see where I go from here. I am going over to let my hair down, get away from it all and assess my options."

Smeaton was propelled into the public eye after helping police tackle a man who was in a blazing jeep which had been driven into the airport terminal on 30 June last year.

And his comments immediately after the attack catapulted him to stardom.

In a TV interview broadcast around the world, he described his feelings as he ran in and tackled the alleged terrorist: "This is Glasgow, you know – we'll set about you."

Now known by his nickname, Smeato, he has been feted from London to New York, mingling with politicians and celebrities at glitzy events.

He has met Gordon Brown several times, and was publicly congratulated by the Prime Minister at the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth last year.



The full article contains 280 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 17 June 2008 9:26 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

Snuffy Ivy,

Aberdeen 18/06/2008 03:41:32
Happy travels Smeato. Have a great time! You are still a hero!
2

biggy shackleton,

TASMANIA 18/06/2008 04:38:00
God bless you Smeato!
3

IanW,

Ottobrunn 18/06/2008 07:54:15
I am about to say something which many will take as being contreversial, however I would urge them to take a moment to think about my comments and to digest there meaning, which is not to disparage Mr.Smeaton.

Mr. Smeaton became a hero through his unselfish actions in helping to protect innocents and to bring to justice the criminals involved in the Glasgow Airport bombing. I respect his actions and wish there were more people who would act for the common good rather than hiding away.

Unfortunately it seems that his head has been turned by 'celebrity' fame. He has decided to quit his job and go to America. He has no definite plans (as far as I am aware) for anything there no any possible future "I am just taking some time out and having a wee tour to see where I go from here.".

Sorry but what kind of example does that set to the youth of this country. It tells them 'Look I am a celebrity - I can do what I want and somebody else will pick up the pieces'.

I would have been much happier if he had said that he was going to America and after having a break had definite plans and emplyment lined up. That to be is being responsible and setting an example, not being on the dole.
4

Road to the isles,

On the road again 18/06/2008 08:54:26
IanW

Grow up FFS. He's entitled to go to the US if he likes and he's not setting anyone an example either good or bad. He's going on holiday - get it??
5

Melly,

Sussex 18/06/2008 09:01:01
This story is utter c**p. I listened to him on radio 5 live yesterday denying the story entirely. He says he can`t believe some of the stories that come out about him almost all rubbish. He is going to the States for a few weeks but only by invitation to talk about the Glasow Airport bombings. You should check your stories Louise before putting them to print.
6

AJ Fife,

18/06/2008 10:59:12
Does he wear a cape and fly faster than a speeding bullet?
7

IanW,

Ottobrunn 18/06/2008 13:15:14
Road to the isles #4 - I am not saying that he is not entitled to go to America, or anywhere else for that matter. He may well indeed be taking a holiday but my concern is that he has achieved some level of celebrity status through his well appreciated heroic actions and therefore may be seen to be a 'role' model for the young. What kind of role model is he setting if it is true that "He has quit his job...".
Does this not suggest some lack of forethought, etc. in your mind? How does he intend to live in the future, will he sponge off his girlfriend or the state? or will he hope to get some speaking contracts whilst he is still a 'celebrity'.

I would have preferred if he had definite plans to show the youngsters that through hard work and education they can achieve a lot rather than the very shallow lives of celebrities.
8

Joe S.,

New York, US 18/06/2008 13:58:30
To post number, 3 IanW Ottobrunn:

If I knew you, I'd ask why you're being a killjoy and an utter pedant.

However, I do not know you. Therefore I'll just say: Have a lovely visit, John. Your colleagues and you are most welcome.
9

Van (not white) Diesel,

Amsterdam & Augsburg (simultaneously) 18/06/2008 16:43:49
#6 AJ Fife
Yes - pretty obvious, I would have thought. :-)
10

Euan,

Edinburgh 18/06/2008 17:37:22
I say good on him.

Smeaton's life immediately changed from being an everyday baggage handler to international celebrity literally overnight.

We all appreciate what he did and he deserves a proper break with his new American girlfriend to try and take in just how much things have changed for him.

I mean, can you imagine if this happened to you?!, it must be pretty crazy having millions of people suddenly recognizing you and wanting to talk to you, especially if you were just leading a quiet, normal life to start out with.
11

Beth Boyle,

NY 19/06/2008 04:41:18
Give the guy a break, we will treat him right over here. He can have some fun and then buckle down with his lady and start a new life! It's hardly like he will have any trouble getting another job!
12

St. Helena,

Peebles 19/06/2008 06:57:52
#3, the initial opening utterance of your post reveals the fundamental flaw in your premise - the point being that no one actually cares what you have to say on this subject. But, seemingly, you think they do. Quite a dilema, isn't it? Mr. Smeaton will no doubt do just fine in the US and i wish him all the best. Hopefully he will spawn freely there and repopulate that once great nation with a new wave of free ands brave.

 

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