A FLIGHT to Amsterdam was delayed by a drunk passenger who had to be thrown off the aircraft before it could take off from Glasgow Airport.

 

Paisley Sheriff Court heard heavily intoxicated Scott Clark was staggering up the aisle while shouting and swearing and annoying other passengers.

Cabin crew tried to calm him down but feared he was so potential a menace that they raised concerns with the captain, who delayed departure to have him escorted from the plane.

The air bridge from the terminal building had already been withdrawn as 142 fellow passengers settled in their seats for take-off around 3.30pm on February 2.

Clark, 44, had been disruptive on boarding and was shouting and swearing.

Depute fiscal Pamela Flynn said that the accused continued to swear despite warnings from stewards.

He used foul language even after everyone was seated for take off.

Ms Flynn said: "The captain was informed of the situation and instructed the air bridge to be re-attached ordering the accused to be removed, and he was led off without further incident."

Police officers who had been summoned arrested Clark, of Chalmers Gate, Gallowgate, Glasgow, who is employed as a postman.

He pleaded guilty to being drunk on the aircraft and behaving in an abusive and disorderly manner by making offensive comments and swearing, in contravention of the Civil Aviation Act.

Defence agent John Kilcoyne said his client, a first offender, was deeply embarrassed by his conduct which came about as he and his partner had consumed a large amount of alcohol after arriving at the airport hours before the flight was scheduled to depart.

Mr Kilcoyne said: "This was a trip he organised at a cost of £600 which of course, he lost.

"His recollection is hazy and he apologises for the inconvenience he caused.

"The episode is wholly out of character and he concedes his behaviour was entirely inappropriate."

Sheriff Robert Fife said: "I'm sure you will agree after hearing what happened in open court that you should feel ashamed of your conduct.

"I will take what has been said into account and the fact that you are a first offender but the fines here have to be significant to reflect the court's displeasure at this kind of behaviour - and to adress the inconvenience to EasyJet and other passengers from the subsequent delays."

Clark was fined £1000 and ordered to pay the penalty at £20 per week.