Man fined for verbal abuse of air hostess on city flight

Published on Tuesday 2 September 2008 10:01

A MAN has been fined £400 after becoming abusive towards an air hostess on a flight from Birmingham to Edinburgh.

Charles Bradley, 54, from Oxford, reacted angrily after being told that he and his wife could only have one drink.

Despite being asked by the plane's captain to stop being rude, Bradley continued his behaviour and was arrested on arrival at Edinburgh airport. At Edinburgh Sheriff Court today, he pleaded guilty to committing a breach of the peace on board the Flybe flight on May 9.

The Crown acepted a not guilty plea to his being drunk.

Fiscal depute Graeme Fraser said Bradley had been seen by at least one other passenger drinking in the terminal.

He and his wife were sitting near the front of the plane.

Shortly after take-off, the cabin crew began serving light snacks, but no alcohol at that time.

Mr Fraser added: "Due to the attitude of the accused and his wife it was decided amongst members of the staff that they could have one drink and no more."

When told this, Mr Fraser said Bradley told 30-year-old hostess Lynn Boyd: "Stick the drink up your a***."

Mr Fraser said Bradley's behaviour had been wholly inappropriate, adding the accused "had the temerity to write to Flybe and complain about the actions of the staff."

Defence agent David Storrie said his client apologised to Ms Boyd for his behaviour.

Although not drunk, he had been drinking before boarding.

Bradley, who is currently unemployed, had worked in the security sector and hopes to start a new job next month.

Fining Bradley, Sheriff Mhairi Stephen said alcohol appeared to be at the root of the problem.

It was not uncommon for the courts to be told that alcohol had caused rude and uncourteous behaviour, but this was magnified when in the confines of an aircraft.

Bradley was allowed two months in which to pay the fine.