A Delta Air Lines pilot has been jailed for 10 months after being found over the alcohol limit before a flight from Edinburgh to New York. Lawrence Russell, 63, was searched by airport security at about 09:15 on 16 June last year, and two bottles of Jägermeister were found in his carry-on luggage, one of which was half full.
A breath test revealed the captain was more than twice the legal alcohol limit for pilots. Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard Russell had not less than 49mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood, exceeding the strict legal limit of 20mg. Sheriff Alison Stirling said a prison sentence was necessary for punishment and the protection of the public.
The court was told Russell was to take control of a Boeing 767 flight from Edinburgh Airport to JFK Airport in New York, due to take off at 10:35. His bags were selected for inspection, and security staff noted he was wearing a pilot uniform and a Delta Airline crew pass. The captain identified himself to police and said he was the aircraft's captain.
After his arrest, the flight was cancelled, and Delta Airlines confirmed all passengers were helped with their travel plans. The court also heard Russell has two previous convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol in the US. Defence lawyer Pamela Rodgers said her client was a recovering alcoholic who had not drunk for 277 days and had completed a rehab programme.
Lynne Barrie, procurator fiscal for Lothian and Borders, said Russell's conduct would have endangered many lives and showed reckless disregard for safety. She added that the conviction should send a message that such crimes will be robustly dealt with.
