A drunk groom threatened to burn a crew member 'like Guy Fawkes', punched a headrest and left an air hostess 'terrified' after he pinched her bum during a rampage on an eight-hour flight.
Newlywed Mohammed Razaq, 29, also threatened to 'bite her ear and nose off' during the ordeal after he boarded the flight from Dubai to Manchester.
Razaq was returning home from a three-month visit to Pakistan that saw him get married, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The passenger drank in the airport before the flight and carried on drinking at an 'alarming rate' on board the flight, Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard.
Prosecuting, Lisa Boocock said Razaq was seen swaying in his seat. He was later seen becoming 'intimidating' towards fellow passengers.
Around three hours into the flight, he became more abusive and aggressive. He later had a bust-up with a crew member when he refused to wear a face mask.
Razaq punched a headrest, causing £200-worth of damage. A passenger intervened and Razaq became even more aggressive.
Around 500 passengers were on the plane, including children.
"Passengers were becoming concerned for their safety," Ms Boocock said. "He punched [the seat] with such force, the galley assistant said it was used like a punch bag, bending the headrest inwards.”
Razaq then began punching his own hand and the seat in front of his. The crew manager became worried for the safety of staff.
During the eight-hour flight, Razaq pinched a crew member's bottom. In a statement, she said it left her terrified.
"His actions left her in shock. She said he had no right to touch her or disrespect her in this way," Ms Boocock told the court.
He threatened other crew members, telling the manager he would 'bite her nose and ear off and burn her like Guy Fawkes'. "Punch me and I'll knock your f*****g head off," he told another.
The galley assistant said he was 'horrified' and described the ordeal as the 'worst experience' of his seven-year long career with the airline.
Razaq went into another passenger's bag, taking out an apple and threatening to throw it at them before falling asleep in his seat. He was arrested when the flight landed in Manchester, but had to be interviewed the following day as he was so drunk.
"In his interview, he said he binged on alcohol as he had been in Pakistan for three months and had simply 'blacked out' and had no memory of his actions," Ms Boocock said.
Razaq was charged with sexual assault; affray; criminal damage; and being drunk on board an aircraft. He admitted all charges at an earlier hearing.
Defending, Thomas Worsfield said Razaq drank heavily as he was returning home to a 'disapproving' family after getting married in Pakistan and said he has not drank since.
"It was shameful regardless of the circumstances," he added. "He's genuinely sorry for his behaviour and it's a great source of shame to him."
"Alcohol has been a problem for him for a number of years. It is clear it has featured in his offending. He recognises that and knows it's a real problem and has been for some years."
Razaq has previous convictions, including for criminal damage; burglary; and being concerned in the supply of drugs.
Judge Nigel Bird told Razaq he 'caused fear in [his] captive audience'. "As the flight went on, you were making more and more of a nuisance of yourself," he added.
"The decision was made to stop serving you and you became angry, shouting at passengers and caused fear and distress to those around you, including young children. You shouted obscenities at other passengers, refused to wear a mask and were confrontational when challenged.
"A passenger bravely intervened in an effort to calm you down, but you made further threats to the crew whose primary function was to keep you safe. You told one you'd burn her like Guy Fawkes and bite her ears and nose off. You goaded, grabbed, poked and manhandled another and equally made threats to knock his head off.
"Faced with your behaviour, the crew maintained their professionalism. When a member of air crew was passing, going about her duties, she bent down in your vicinity and you assaulted her by squeezing her buttocks.
"Other passengers witnessed that assault and felt embarrassed and humiliated by it. She felt disgusted, unsafe and used the word 'terrified'.
"It's important to remember these events took place on a plane. Those around you could not simply walk away or go home. They were captive to your unfortunate behaviour."
Razaq, of Burnley, Lancashire, was sentenced to 18 months. He was ordered to pay a £156 victim surcharge.
