A drunken airline passenger who had to be physically restrained by cabin crew using cable ties during a flight has been sent to prison for 23 weeks.
Disruptive and Abusive Behaviour Mid-Flight
Wayne Scott, 47, caused significant alarm on a Qatar Airways service travelling from Doha to Manchester on 8 September last year. The court heard he was heavily intoxicated, loud, and verbally abusive, leading other travellers to become visibly worried.
Prosecutor Tanya Elahi told Manchester Crown Court that staff alerted police at Manchester Airport as the plane approached. Officers were informed a male passenger appeared drunk and was arguing with his father, who was also on board.
When asked by crew to calm down and lower his voice, Scott responded defiantly, asking, "Who’s making complaints about me?" He was initially taken to the rear of the aircraft, where he explained he was upset because his father had been diagnosed with cancer.
Restrained with Cable Ties and Seat Belt
After returning to his seat, Scott's disruptive conduct continued. He began using foul language directed at other passengers, many of whom were families with children.
He was escorted to the back of the plane once more, reportedly stumbling down the aisle and adopting a "boxing stance" as if he was about to throw punches. Fearing for the safety of those on board, cabin crew members restrained him. They secured his hands with a plastic zip tie and used a seat belt to bind his legs.
The aircraft was met on the runway at Manchester Airport by police, who then led Scott off the flight.
"Deeply Sorry" Defendant Sent to Prison
In defence, Joshua Normanton said the incident was out of character for Scott, who has no prior convictions and was "absolutely horrified" when he later saw police body-worn footage of his behaviour.
Mr Normanton stated Scott was "deeply sorry" and believed he had "completely ruined his life," accepting his actions were "disgusting." The court was told Scott, from Willowdale, Hull, was undergoing a personal crisis at the time, having recently lost his stepfather to cancer and seen his marriage break down. He holds a job in the metal and mining industry in Bahrain, which he needed for residency.
Despite pleas that a prison term would cost him his job, Judge Tom Gilbart said he would be "failing in my public duty" if he did not impose immediate custody. Sentencing Scott, who pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft, the judge condemned the "abhorrent behaviour which caused considerable concern to those on the aircraft with you."
