A former United Airlines flight attendant has admitted to performing an aviation function while under the influence of alcohol, after being found with more than 10 times the legal limit in her system. Margit Lake, 56, was treated by paramedics at Heathrow Airport following a flight from San Francisco on 17 October.
The court heard that Lake's blood alcohol level was 216mg, exceeding the legal limit of 20mg for working on an aircraft. She had consumed multiple miniature bottles of alcohol that she brought onto the plane before the 10-hour flight. Paramedics reported smelling alcohol on her breath and noted she had low blood pressure.
Lake, who had a 26-year career with United Airlines, handed in her registration shortly after the incident. Her solicitor, Ben Lansbury, stated that she had been feeling isolated and dealing with grief, and that she deeply regretted her actions. The prosecutor argued that her consumption posed an obvious risk to herself and passengers.
Despite the incident, the court heard there was no disruption to the flight. Lake was fined £1,461, ordered to pay a £584 victim surcharge, and £85 in court costs, avoiding a possible prison sentence.
