A 45-year-old man from Queanbeyan faces charges following an incident on a flight from Canberra to Perth, where he allegedly assaulted a crew member and bit a fellow passenger during an attempt to restrain him.
According to reports, the man exhibited “disorderly behavior” by yelling, swearing, and disregarding safety protocols given by the flight crew on April 16.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) claim that the man kicked and pushed the seat of a female passenger seated in front of him, and became aggressive when she requested him to stop.
“The cabin crew notified the flight captain about the man’s conduct and received authorization to restrain him,” stated the AFP in an official release.
During the restraint process, the man allegedly kicked at the cabin crew manager and attempted to bite another passenger’s arm.
The man is now facing charges that include assaulting an aircraft crew member, failing to comply with a cabin crew member’s safety instruction, and engaging in offensive or disorderly behavior on an aircraft.
He first fronted Perth Magistrates Court on April 17 but briefly returned to court on Friday.
AFP Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said anti-social or aggressive behavior risked the safety of other people.
“Being in the air does not give anyone a free pass from the law and consequences on the ground,” Superintendent Brindal said.
“The AFP works closely with airlines to ensure the safe travel of people across Australia and will put people before the courts if they are accused of breaking the law.”
