A passenger on a flight from Amsterdam to Newcastle was fined after a drunken outburst and abuse of crew during take off.
The pilot considered turning back to Amsterdam. Instead, he gave the man a written warning for breaking flight rules. The man crumpled this warning into a paper airplane and threw it down the plane’s aisle.
Before landing, the pilot called the police. Officers waited when the plane arrived. Johnathon Rochford admitted he was drunk on the plane. The court fined Rochford £1,166, plus a £466 victim surcharge. He must also pay an £85 court surcharge.
Clare Irving spoke at the court, stating the KLM flight occurred last December. Prior to the plane’s arrival in Newcastle, officials heard Rochford was drunk and disruptive. Irving stated he stood up during takeoff and verbally attacked the crew, refusing to follow their instructions.
Police met the plane after it landed. Officers learned he stood during take off and that he wanted to be locked up and taken home. He asked why he should listen to the crew.
The pilot considered going back to Amsterdam, but ultimately continued the flight. Rochford was arrested at the airport, and police took him to the station.
The court learned he had stayed out of trouble since starting a business in 2010. This behavior seemed unusual for him, and he felt very sorry for his actions. He has two children and struggles with his mental health.