Move FM Australian News

SYDNEY, Australia – A 25-year-old Irish man appeared in a Sydney court on Thursday charged with violence and assault on board an aircraft.

The man is alleged to have caused a disturbance on a flight bound for Sydney from Los Angeles.

Australian Federal Police officers boarded the plane when it arrived in Sydney, and the man was arrested. The court was told on Thursday the flight landed in Sydney 3 weeks ago.

The man allegedly approached the cockpit door mid-flight, refused to obey cabin crew instructions to return to his seat, began behaving in a disruptive manner and assaulted one of the flight attendants.

The cabin crew then initiated flight security procedures and the man was restrained for the remainder of the flight. 

Australian Federal Police Airport Police Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Simone O’Mahony, said she hopes the matter reminds passengers of the importance of maintaining public order and safety within the aviation system.

“The safe travel of passengers through our airports is a key priority for the AFP,” she said.

“This alleged behaviour has no place in our aviation system and, while there was no significant delay or personal harm caused on this occasion, it should still serve as a warning to others; if you risk the safety of your fellow passengers, you risk facing significant penalties.”

The man – who is from Ireland but is living in Australia on a temporary working visa appeared at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on a range of charges.