I must admit that even I can't condone what this guy did.
Leaving kids stranded at Heathrow with stressed out parents trying to cope with being a day behind schedule on their holidays is pretty poor form really. If your going to go, go like a man not like a mouse.
I liked the story about the guy that laid his uniform and books out on the bed and left the hotel (that was actually funny) this guy is just weak by the sounds of it.