Leeds Bradford Airport: Man jailed for fighting on plane taxiing towards runway at LBA
A man has been jailed after fighting on a plane as it was taxiing towards the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport.
Nathan Cooper admitted affray and being drunk in an aircraft at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday (Jun 24).
The 44-year-old, of Dene Park, Harrogate, was jailed for 15 months following the incident, which took place on July 24 last year.
Cooper was on a flight heading to Chania in Crete when he started fighting with another passenger at the rear of the plane.
When police attended the plane, the fight was still ongoing and Cooper bit one officer and punched another.
Police said a “mostly-drunk” bottle of vodka was found at Cooper’s seat.
Inspector Kevin Lowther said: “There may have been a heatwave in the UK this week, but we know lots of people will have holidays planned to usually hotter climes in the coming months.
“Sadly, a few people’s selfish actions have the power to derail the travel plans of every other passenger on their flight. Cabin staff should also not have to deal with such threatening and frightening behaviour in their workplace.
“We need people to take some personal responsibility and think how they would feel if the shoe was on the other foot and they were in a confined space, potentially with young children, being put in fear by someone shouting or behaving violently.
“Our attending officers in this incident were also met with violence and this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.
"I hope the fact that Cooper has been sent to prison sends a message to others about the repercussions of drunk and violent behaviour on aeroplanes.”