Caitlin Anderson, 25, was arrested on board a Ryanair flight after it touched down at Newcastle Airport. Cabin crew had contacted police during the journey because of her conduct.
Magistrates heard that Anderson, a customer service administrator from Govanhill Street in Glasgow, had been "disruptive" towards staff, become embroiled in a confrontation with a fellow traveller, and torn out her own hair extensions in what was described as "acting weirdly".
Police called over mid-flight disturbance
Christopher O'Brien, prosecuting, said officers boarded the flight after it landed at Newcastle International Airport on July 10. "The police at Newcastle International Airport were contacted by the crew on the flight because of a disruptive passenger," he told the court. "That passenger was this defendant."
"She was unsteady on her feet. She had been tearing out her hair extensions. Her behaviour on the flight was certainly disruptive."
Anderson was initially taken to hospital because of concerns she had "consumed a substance, which contributed to her behaviour". She was later taken to a police station and appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court this week, where she admitted being disruptive on an aircraft.
Fine and costs
The court heard Anderson had one previous conviction and felt "thoroughly ashamed" of her actions. Her defending solicitor, Janice Hall, 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."
Magistrates imposed a fine of £1,477 on Anderson, alongside £85 in costs and a £591 victim surcharge.
