A Scandinavian Airlines air steward has admitted attempting to board a flight at Heathrow Airport while more than 12 times the legal alcohol limit. Jessica Kostakopoulou, 43, was stopped by security in Terminal 2 on 22 March, appearing unsteady on her feet and slurring her words.
Prosecutor Reem Khatib told Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court that Kostakopoulou smelled of alcohol and denied drinking. A breathalyser test revealed 254 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, against the legal limit of 20 milligrams for aviation staff.
Kostakopoulou, of Claremont Road, Windsor, pleaded guilty to carrying out an activity ancillary to an aviation function, namely going through security. The court heard she resigned immediately after the incident and had no prior convictions.
Defence lawyer Amber Pierce argued that Kostakopoulou was not a supervisor on the flight and that no direct harm occurred. The magistrates fined her £623, including a victim surcharge and legal costs, payable in monthly instalments, noting her remorse was genuine.
In court, Kostakopoulou said: “I feel very ashamed and embarrassed about everything that happened. I’m trying to amend my ways now and start a new job. I’m very sorry.”
