Airport stunt may yet be screened

A security camera image shows the wanted man - wearing his pilot's uniform - in the Auckland Airport domestic terminal. Photo / NZ Police

Fans supporting a television programme's foiled stunt that ended up in criminal charges still have a chance of seeing the prank screened.

Benjamin Ross Boyce, 33, Bryce Anthony Casey, 32, and Andrew Logan Robinson, 26, yesterday claimed responsibility for a prank that saw Casey dressed as a fake pilot attempting to get into a restricted access area at Auckland Airport last Saturday afternoon.

The skit was filmed as part of the WANNA-BEn series, a programme set to screen on TV3.

The trio appeared in Manukau District Court yesterday to face charges laid under the Civil Aviation Act after police started searching for the prankster.

Another three men were arrested today on the same charges and, along with the original trio, were bailed to reappear on October 18.

If convicted, they could face a year in jail or a fine of up to $10,000.

MediaWorks publicist Rachel Lorimer said the company had yet to make a decision on whether the skit would hit TV3 screens.

"The head of programming said it didn't have a scheduled date yet, but she did say it's unlikely to air but we haven't made a final decision.''

Ms Lorimer said the company hadn't decided whether the programme would screen this year or next year.

A rugby-themed WANNA-Ben programme scheduled for Saturday night would run as planned as the skit wasn't part of the show, she said, and the company was waiting for the court process to finish before deciding whether to take further action against the those charged.

The WANNA-BEn programme posted an apology on its Facebook page this morning, telling their 7193 fans it would take more care with their skits in the future.

"We've been doing skits for over nine years, but this time we crossed the line and we fully accept that. There was never any intention to cause trouble at the airport. Nor was it our intention for Bryce [Casey] to breach security.''

Ben Boyce, under the WANNA-BEn name, said he was sorry if he looked like he was making light of the situation when he fronted to the media outside court yesterday.

"We do take this very seriously, and if I looked like I was smiling, it was only because I was nervous and a bit overwhelmed by the events of the day.''

Fans have come back with support for the trio's attempt at humour, with Tuhaka Murray posting "You guys are my hero's haha'' in response to the apology.

Stephen Johnston-Mearns said "I seriously think this Wanna-Ben Pilot fiasco is one the most hilarious things I've heard of in a long time,'' while Cherie Danielle "didn't see anything wrong with what happened.... just lots of uptight old people!!!''

The trio have a lawyer and are going to fight the charges, he told TV3.

Boyce didn't think the prank would affect the fan base or his relationship with his mother.

"Mum might be disappointed but then again I think she lost some respect for me years ago,'' Boyce told TV3.

The men's bail conditions include that they do not go near Auckland Airport. Boyce said yesterday he was supposed to pick his mother up from the airport next week.