A Virgin Atlantic flight attendant has been arrested in Florida after allegedly pushing a teenage girl who tried to cut in line at Disney World. Keith Newman, 47, from Lemington, Newcastle, was taken into custody following the incident on February 20 at Orlando's Magic Kingdom.
The altercation occurred in the queue for Tiana's Bayou Adventure ride. An 18-year-old girl and her friend attempted to bypass Newman to join friends ahead of him. When Newman refused to let them pass, one teen tried to go around him, and he allegedly pushed her back with both hands, causing her to fall into her friend.
Newman denied the shove, telling police the girl walked into his hand. He was arrested on battery charges but has pleaded not guilty. After being released on $1,000 bail, he returned to the UK. He may face a fine or up to a year in jail.
The girl's father condemned the actions, stating, 'I hope this sends a message that it’s never OK to put your hands on someone else except for self-defense, especially somebody a lot younger than you.' He described his daughter as 5 foot 2 inches and 120 pounds, looking around 15 years old.
The Independent has contacted Virgin Atlantic, Disney World, and the Orange County Sheriff's Office for further comment.
