A 64-year-old businessman from Surrey faces a likely prison sentence after a drunken and "frightening" outburst on a British Airways long-haul flight, during which he tried to kiss a male flight attendant and threatened to kill cabin crew.
Holiday Chaos at 35,000 Feet
Philip Gould, of Woking, had been returning from a luxury holiday in Grand Cayman with his wife on June 25 last year. The court heard that on the ten-hour BA flight from the Bahamas to London Heathrow, Gould consumed vodka and wine before his behaviour escalated dangerously.
After cabin crew refused to serve him more alcohol, Gould bizarrely told a male flight attendant he could take him "to the toilet" to perform a sex act. He then became aggressive, repeatedly swearing at staff before lunging towards the cockpit door and shouting angrily at the captain.
A "Serious Safety Issue" Unfolds
Prosecutor Ashleigh Ettienne told Isleworth Crown Court that crew positioned themselves as a barrier between Gould and the flight deck after deeming his actions a major threat. "The defendant pushed a cabin crew member in his chest with his arm which caused him to stumble back and bump into a passenger," she said.
When staff tried to calm him, Gould screamed: "I'll kill you. There are not enough people on the plane to restrain me." He then assaulted his wife, Jurkea, slapping her and grabbing her by the hair.
The situation took a further disturbing turn when Gould "stood up and put his arms around her and while doing so, he kissed a male flight attendant on the right cheek, followed by nibbling on his ear", Ms Ettienne added.
Remorse, PTSD and a Warning from the Judge
Gould, who appeared in court wearing blue jeans and a puffer jacket, had earlier pleaded guilty to sexual assault on a male, being drunk in an aircraft, two counts of assault by beating, and recklessly acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft.
His defence lawyer, Manny Arora, said Gould suffers from PTSD and was "remorseful", claiming a combination of wine and vodka "had sent him over the edge" but that he was not intoxicated when he boarded.
Judge Fiona Barrie adjourned sentencing until February 11 but issued a stark warning. "This court takes a very dim view of people who behave drunk on an aircraft. A prison sentence is a likely possibility here," she told him. Gould was granted unconditional bail ahead of his sentencing next month.
