Airline ban and £12,000 fine for drunk passenger, 21, after Leeds flight diverted
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Joshua Strickland, of Lucas Avenue, York, drank his own booze “illicitly” and threatened a family on board the plane, before verbally abusing a member of cabin crew on July 13, the airline said.
The plane he was travelling on, which was heading to Larnaca in Cyprus from Leeds Bradford, was diverted to Manchester Airport shortly after take off.
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Hide AdStrickland, 21, had been due to stand trial at Manchester Magistrates’ Court after denying a charge of endangering an aircraft or person in an aircraft yesterday.
But he pleaded guilty to a lesser alternative charge of being drunk on an aircraft before the trial and will be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday August 25.
Phil Ward, managing director of Jet2.com, said: “We will not tolerate anyone being threatening towards families and crew on our flights.
“We are committed to stamping out abusive and aggressive behaviour for the safety of everyone on board.
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Hide Ad“Joshua Strickland’s violent outburst was absolutely unacceptable and caused a lot of distress plus significant delays for our customers.
“He now has to face up to the consequences of his actions and we will vigorously pursue to recover the costs incurred by this unnecessary divert.”
The flight’s diversion also led to lengthy knock-on delays of around six hours for holidaymakers who were due to fly back from Larnaca to Leeds.
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