A drunk Ryanair passenger who downed half a bottle of brandy while in the air became so aggressive that the pilot considered diverting the plane. Stephen Stokes got so drunk he became aggressive with staff during his flight back from Portugal.
Stokes, 58, was flying back to Birmingham Airport on January 16 when he became aggressive with staff and smashed a glass. He claimed he had begun drinking to calm his nerves after losing his medication, according to BirminghamLive.
The plane's captain considered diverting the plane in order to deal with Stokes but ultimately decided he and the crew could handle him. Stokes, of Winchester Drive, Marston Green, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court yesterday (Thursday, February 2) and pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft.
Speaking about the incident, Prosecutor Ekene Pruce said: "He was observed to have consumed a half a bottle of brandy, which was 500ml, and he had become verbally aggressive towards the crew and was repeatedly told by the air crew not to be loud and aggressive. He also smashed a glass.
"The captain considered diverting the flight however reconsidered and landed at the destination. Officers came aboard and removed the defendant in an intoxicated state."
The defence explained that Stokes had lost his mental health medication before leaving but had thought he would be able to board the plane without it as it was a short flight.
Phillip Haycock, defending, said: "He bought alcohol, not for himself as he doesn't ordinarily drink. He's a solitary individual and keeps himself to himself. He bought it as a present for his mother.
"However, when at the airport just as he was about to board he became quite ill and took a few sips of the brandy. He thought it would calm his nerves however that didn't do the trick.
"Regrettably he must have been drinking from it whilst on the flight. He has very, very little recollection of the incident on the plane. He remembers breaking the glass. It slipped from his hand. It wasn't a case of him throwing it."
Mr Haycock added that Stokes was ashamed of his behaviour and had apologised to staff. He added that Stokes would not be travelling on a plane for a while and was likely banned by Ryanair.
The Magistrate ruled to impose a fine but warned stokes that similar offences have warranted jail sentences. He was hit with a £745 bill made up of a £400 fine, £185 costs and £160 victim surcharge.
