In an attempt to seek revenge, an English chef made a hoax call alleging that his estranged wife was carrying a bomb and was about to board a flight, police said.

Kevin Flynn, 32, told police the device was being carried on a New York-bound flight by his wife, Kerensa, at either Heathrow or Gatwick, reported The Mirror.

He made the anonymous calls after the couple decided to separate from each other.

"There is a Kerensa Flynn or Kerensa RamaraMacMahan currently boarding with a bomb in her bag," Flynn told the operator.

But she had earlier called the police, saying that her ex had smashed up her belongings.

Flynn from West Sussex admitted that he made the call after their relationship went kaput. He was sentenced to 12 months jail Monday.

Judge William Wood, QC, at Chichester Crown Court said: "This class of misconduct is so serious there is no possibility to do anything but impose a custodial sentence."