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

Published on Tuesday 17 June 2008 22:07

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 to 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.