Drunk Ryanair passenger downed brandy 'to calm nerves' and smashed glass
A nervous flyer who downed half a bottle of brandy before flying got aggressive towards members of the cabin crew and smashed a glass in a rage.
Stephen Stokes, 58, was returning from a holiday in Faro, Portugal, when he lost his medication to help his mental health.
Instead he drank half a bottle of brandy and then during the flight to Birmingham Airport became aggressive and smashed a glass.
Birmingham Magistrates' Court heard the captain on the flight had considered diverting the flight because of Stokes’ behaviour, but continued on.
He pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft.
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The flight had been travelling to Birmingham Airport from Portugal (BPM Media)Ekene Pruce, prosecuting, said: "He was observed to have consumed a half a bottle of brandy, which was 500ml, and he had become verbally aggressive towards the crew and was repeatedly told by the air crew not to be loud and aggressive. He also smashed a glass.
"The captain considered diverting the flight however reconsidered and landed at the destination.
“Officers came aboard and removed the defendant in an intoxicated state."
Phillip Haycock, mitigating, explained Stokes lost his mental health medication prior to leaving, but thought he would be able to board the plane because it was a short flight.
Stokes avoided jail at Birmingham Magistrates' Court (BPM Media)He added: "He bought alcohol, not for himself as he doesn't ordinarily drink. He's a solitary individual and keeps himself to himself. He bought it as a present for his mother.
"However when at the airport just as he was about to board he became quite ill and took a few sips of the brandy. He thought it would calm his nerves however that didn't do the trick.
"Regrettably he must have been drinking from it whilst on the flight. He has very, very little recollection of the incident on the plane. He remembers breaking the glass. It slipped from his hand. It wasn't a case of him throwing it."
"He has apologised unreservedly to the company and I suppose he's been banned from future flights. I don't think he will be travelling on airlines in the future because of his difficulties.
"He is ashamed of his behaviour. He has tried to keep it to himself. He doesn't want to bring this to the attention of his family."
After deliberating for several minutes the magistrates ruled to impose a fine, despite warning Stokes that similar cases have warranted jail sentences.
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The chair of the bench said: "This offence was of a serious nature. It was in a confined space, you were aggressive and we are sure other passengers would have been concerned.
"The cabin crew were also concerned about your behaviour and to the extent they had to contact the captain to see if the flight needed to be diverted.
“On an aircraft you have got to consider the safety of every passenger."
He was hit with a £400 fine, £185 costs and £160 victim surcharge.
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