Authorities reported that another passenger witnessed the 33-year-old supposedly trying to open the doors and intervened by pulling him away.

Airline staff moved Mann to the back of the plane and monitored him for the remainder of the 15-hour flight.

Upon arrival at Sydney Airport, he was apprehended and charged with actions that threatened passenger safety and meddling with aircraft operations.

Mann pleaded not guilty to the charges and was expected to face a hearing in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday.

His lawyer explained that he missed the court appearance because he returned to Canada while on bail and was facing challenges in returning to Australia due to the charges.

“He’s ready to come back to defend this case but unfortunately, through no fault of his own, he’s stuck over in Canada,” Mann’s lawyer told the court.

Asked why Mann had been granted bail to travel internationally, his lawyer replied the case against his client was “hopeless”.

The characterisation was rejected by a lawyer for the Commonwealth, who noted Mann had only begun to attempt to organise travel back to Australia in February.

He opposed an adjournment but acknowledged it was important for Mann to be present for the proceedings.

The magistrate set the hearing down for December 5 and ordered the Canadian to attend.

Mann was granted bail after providing a surety of $20,000 which will be forfeited if he fails to attend court when required.