Caitlin Anderson, 25, was met by police when her Ryanair flight touched down at Newcastle Airport after crew members reported disruptive behaviour. The customer service administrator, from Govanhill Street in Glasgow, later admitted being disruptive on an aircraft at Newcastle Magistrates' Court.
The court heard Anderson had been disruptive towards staff, became involved in a confrontation with a fellow passenger, and tore out her own hair extensions in what was described as "acting weirdly". Officers boarded the aircraft after it landed and took her into custody. She was initially transferred to hospital amid concerns that she had consumed a substance which contributed to her behaviour, before being taken to a police station.
Prosecutor: passenger was "unsteady on her feet"
The incident happened on July 10, prosecutor Christopher O'Brien said. He told the court: "The police at Newcastle International Airport were contacted by the crew on the flight because of a disruptive passenger. That passenger was this defendant. 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."
Defence says behaviour was out of character
The court was told Anderson had a single previous conviction and felt "thoroughly ashamed" of her actions. Her representative, 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."
Fine and costs
Magistrates imposed a fine of £1,477 on Anderson and ordered her to pay £85 in costs along with a £591 victim surcharge.
