A Ryanair passenger who pulled out her own hair extensions during a flight to Newcastle has been fined after admitting being disruptive on an aircraft.
Caitlin Anderson, 25, was arrested by police who boarded the flight after it landed at Newcastle International Airport. She appeared before Newcastle Magistrates' Court this week, where she admitted the offence.
Police called over 'weird behaviour'
The court was told that Anderson, a customer service administrator from Govanhill Street, Glasgow, was 'disruptive' towards cabin crew, became involved in a confrontation with a fellow passenger and pulled out her own hair extensions in what was described as her 'acting weirdly'.
Christopher O'Brien, prosecuting, said the crew on the Ryanair flight on July 10 had contacted police because of a disruptive passenger. "That passenger was this defendant," he told the court. "Officers boarded the flight once it had landed and it appeared there had been issues between the defendant and the passenger sitting next to her on the flight. She was unsteady on her feet. She had been tearing out her hair extensions. Her behaviour on the flight was certainly disruptive."
Hospital check after suspected substance use
Following her arrest, Anderson was initially taken to hospital because it was suspected she had 'consumed a substance, which contributed to her behaviour'. She was later taken to a police station.
Janice Hall, defending, said: "Her behaviour was described as "weird". She was immediately taken to hospital as there were concerns she may have consumed a substance, which contributed to her behaviour. She's thoroughly embarrassed by it and devastated. It's totally out of character."
The court heard Anderson had a single previous offence on her record and was 'thoroughly ashamed' of herself.
Fine and costs
Magistrates fined Anderson £1,477 and ordered her to pay £85 costs and a £591 victim surcharge.
