Drunk passenger lands an £8,000 bill after being thrown off f light
A DRUNKEN holidaymaker who forced a plane to make an emergency landing after he abused cabin crew has been given an £8,000 bill. Liam McKeown swore at staff as he and his friends flew from Glasgow to Ibiza.
He was so out of control on the flight that an off-duty police officer restrained him and the captain had to divert the plane to France to have McKeown removed.
After spending eight hours in a police cell, McKeown, 25, was thrown on to the streets of Toulouse with his luggage and his passport, prompting a four-day coach trip home to Cumbernauld, Lanarkshire, as his friends travelled to Ibiza without him.
McKeown, a labourer, was drunk and had been disruptive before the Jet2 flight even took off, and he interrupted the safety demonstration.
Staff then informed the captain of McKeown’s condition and he was handed a letter telling him how he was expected to behave.
The details emerged last Thursday when McKeown appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court.
He pleaded guilty to being drunk on board an aircraft and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner on a flight.
He struck a deal with prosecutors which saw a third charge against him – that he had refused to wear his seatbelt during landing and had repeatedly demanded more alcohol – dropped.
Fiscal depute Hazel Emmerson said McKeown’s disruptive behaviour became worse on the 7am flight on July 7 last year after he was served with the letter and directed his aggression towards a female cabin crew member.
After he hurled foul-mouthed abuse at her, Miss Emmerson said the captain was made aware of what was happening and he made an announcement reminding passengers of how they were expected to behave.
The police officer became aware of what was happening and Miss Emmerson said: ‘He was still shouting and swearing at the cabin crew, she identified herself as a police officer and instructed him to desist and take his seat.
‘He failed to do so and his aggression was increasing, striking the windows and overhead cabins. The police officer used a safety technique to restrain the accused within his seat.’
When the plane landed at Toulouse McKeown was removed from the flight by French police but Miss Emmerson said the flight stayed there for an hour at a cost to Jet2 of £3,868.33.
Defence solicitor Peter Galletly said McKeown had apologised to Jet2 for his antics, adding: ‘He lost his own holiday by putting everyone else to a great deal of inconvenience.’
The lawyer said Jet2 had launched proceedings against McKeown for the cost of the diversion to Toulouse, amounting to £3,868.33 plus interest and solicitors’ expenses.
Mr Galletly added: They have held him responsible for over £5,200. He is seeking to agree a payment schedule with them.’
Sheriff Vincent Canavan was shocked to learn he could not jail McKeown as he had been charged with breaching airway regulations which have a fine as the maximum punishment. He said: ‘This was reprehensible behav-
‘Shouting and swearing at crew’ ‘Reprehensible behaviour’
iour. If it was committed on dry land he’d be going to jail.’
The sheriff fined McKeown £1,600 on each charge, making a total of £3,200.
Added to the £5,200 he has to pay Jet2, McKeown bill for his rampage stands at £8,400.
Phil Ward, managing director of Jet2 said yesterday: ‘We hope Mr McKeown has learned an important lesson and that the consequences of his actions send out a strong message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.’