A finance worker who drunkenly abused fellow passengers and crew on a flight to Gatwick after drinking Champagne in an airport lounge has been sentenced to carry out community service, say police.
Sussex Police said Harrison Tilson, 33, was “rude and abusive” on a flight from Mallorca to Gatwick Airport on May 15 last year, before striking a member of cabin crew as they tried to stop him hitting a passenger.
Tilson, of Old Town, Lambeth, was found guilty at Crawley Magistrates’ Court of assault by beating, and for being drunk on board an aircraft contrary to the Air Navigation Order.
“Tilson consumed three glasses of Champagne in the airport lounge prior to boarding,” said a Sussex Police spokesperson.
“He later consumed a further three glasses of red wine on board.
“His behaviour from the outset was rude and abusive, swearing at fellow passengers and crew.
“When the aircraft landed, he ignored the instruction to stay seated and went to the toilet while the plane was taxiing to the terminal.
“He confronted a passenger on board, and as he motioned to strike the passenger, he struck a cabin crew worker who tried to intervene.
“The cabin crew worker had to take a significant period off work to recover.”
Tilson was sentenced to a two-year community order to complete 250 hours of unpaid work, and 10 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) sessions.
He was also ordered to pay £1,800 in compensation to the cabin crew worker, and court costs of £1,500.
Detective Sergeant Ian Warncken, from Gatwick CID, said: “It is an offence to get on board an aircraft while drunk.
“This case demonstrates the impact alcohol can have on your body. The impact increases when you are in the air, flying at a higher altitude and with a reduced air pressure.
“Tilson’s behaviour was appalling. No cabin crew worker should have to accept being abused and assaulted as simply part of the job.
“That is why we are determined to pursue prosecutions against those who break the law on board aircraft.
“For Tilson, this has proved to be an expensive case.
“It should act as a warning to all passengers about the risks of consuming alcohol before boarding a flight or while on board.”
