A MAN who said he was going to blow himself up at the John Radcliffe Hospital has pleaded guilty in court to carrying out a bomb hoax.

Edward Mckenna, of Dunnock Way, Blackbird Leys, carried a backpack into the hospital, telling staff he was "wearing a bomb and planned to blow himself up and that everyone would die".

The 56-year-old, who is diabetic, admitted the charge of communicating false information before a District Judge at Oxford Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Prosecuting Emily Stoddart said Mr McKenna entered the hospital in Headington on August 7.

Ms Stoddart added: "He said he had cancer and feared he would die.

"Police found a backpack with a box in it, with a key. He said the key would trigger a detonator."

She said officers removed the key and established the backpack had no explosives in it but the incident caused widespread disruption to the hospital, although there was not a full evacuation.

Ms Stoddart added: “Members of the public, buses and ambulances were all prevented from entering the hospital grounds.

“I believe Mr McKenna had made comments about being a member of the IRA but then said he was sorry and police should ‘throw the book’ at him.

“The threats were repeated on more than one occasion.”

Wearing a pinstriped suit and wire glasses in the dock, McKenna was told by Deputy District Judge Goodwin the offence was so serious it could not be dealt with at magistrates’ court.

Defence lawyer Richard Lister added: "I do not contest that this should be dealt with in crown court."

Deputy District Judge Goodwin said: "This is clearly a very serious matter with very serious disruption, anxiety and no doubt panic at this county’s main hospital."

The court heard how McKenna suffered from physical and mental health issues after the incident.

Several days later he was hospitalised to receive treatment for his diabetes.

A charge was made by postal requisition and he was interviewed by police after being discharged from hospital.

District Judge Goodwin added: "You have pleaded guilty to this serious offence, which is too serious to be dealt with in this court.

"This was a very serious offence causing a public nuisance and a considerable amount of disorder, anxiety and no doubt panic at the John Radcliffe Hospital."

McKenna was released on bail, to be sentenced on October 20 at Oxford Crown Court.