Qantas flight grounded after drunk passenger allegedly spits at crew

[v8Statesman]

What's stopping him buying a ticket back to PER as "Bob Smith"? When was the last time you got ID checked flying domestic?

 

[anat0l]

Banned for 10 years from Qantas - hopefully the other airlines enforce the same rule.

Where did this come from?


In some sense it's not much of a result. He basically got away with assault which might have warranted a harsher penalty if it had happened on the ground (though one always has the "not in right of mind" / "out of character" defence, which has been employed frequently especially in cases which seem to be alcohol-related, like another "prominent" woman who got pi**ed on a JQ flight and got off lightly with a small fine and good behaviour). And I doubt any other airline except possibly the Australian based ones will impose a ban on him (if they even do), so he'll just fly with another carrier, as well as make a big song and dance about not needing to fly QF or JQ blah blah blah... look at me I'm in Japan.....

I would be very surprised if QF recover the costs from him, which might be all for nothing as he may not have that kind of money anyway.

What did that old woman who forced a Trans-Tasman flight to return to MEL get after punching a seat or something like that? Again, I don't think she got much.


In all cases, IIRC no one has ever been given a criminal record for any of these kinds of incidents. I think you practically have to be a terrorist before they actually think about putting you in jail or noting a criminal conviction.

What's stopping him buying a ticket back to PER as "Bob Smith"? When was the last time you got ID checked flying domestic?

Good point - and the penalty for fraud / misrepresentation isn't all that big unless it can be connected to criminal activity.

 

[nlagalle]

Where did this come from?


In some sense it's not much of a result. He basically got away with assault which might have warranted a harsher penalty if it had happened on the ground (though one always has the "not in right of mind" / "out of character" defence, which has been employed frequently especially in cases which seem to be alcohol-related, like another "prominent" woman who got pi**ed on a JQ flight and got off lightly with a small fine and good behaviour). And I doubt any other airline except possibly the Australian based ones will impose a ban on him (if they even do), so he'll just fly with another carrier, as well as make a big song and dance about not needing to fly QF or JQ blah blah blah... look at me I'm in Japan.....

I would be very surprised if QF recover the costs from him, which might be all for nothing as he may not have that kind of money anyway.

What did that old woman who forced a Trans-Tasman flight to return to MEL get after punching a seat or something like that? Again, I don't think she got much.


In all cases, IIRC no one has ever been given a criminal record for any of these kinds of incidents. I think you practically have to be a terrorist before they actually think about putting you in jail or noting a criminal conviction.



Good point - and the penalty for fraud / misrepresentation isn't all that big unless it can be connected to criminal activity.

Maybe that is Qantas saying they have banned him separate to the court case. My understanding was he was bailed until next month

 

[oz_mark]

Where did this come from?


In some sense it's not much of a result. He basically got away with assault which might have warranted a harsher penalty if it had happened on the ground (though one always has the "not in right of mind" / "out of character" defence, which has been employed frequently especially in cases which seem to be alcohol-related, like another "prominent" woman who got pi**ed on a JQ flight and got off lightly with a small fine and good behaviour). And I doubt any other airline except possibly the Australian based ones will impose a ban on him (if they even do), so he'll just fly with another carrier, as well as make a big song and dance about not needing to fly QF or JQ blah blah blah... look at me I'm in Japan.....
y.

It wouldn't sound like much as it would be a Qantas commercial decision. Any penalties would come about through the court system that is yet to happen.

 

[medhead]

Yeah that sound like its just the Qantas penalty. Court case to follow.

 

[Happy Trails]

A bit of follow-up in today's West:


A Perth man whose alleged violent outburst led to an international Qantas flight being diverted could face a long trip home with Australia's other domestic airlines debating whether to fly him.
Major airlines share the details of disruptive customers so Mr Cooke's flying future is unclear.
Sources indicate Virgin Australia will refuse to carry him....
A Tiger Airways spokeswoman said it banned passengers on a case-by-case basis but had a zero tolerance policy for disorderly behaviour on aircraft.

Air-rage clip wings of WA man forced home - The West Australian

 

[mannej]

And so he should get banned...

 

[tuapekastar]

So his bail condition is to live with his parents in Perth, but he is currently in Cairns?
I see car/train/both happening very soon!
Oh and totally agree with any flying bans he cops.

 

[under the radar]

now his poor parents have been 'sentenced' to baby sit him...my condolences to their loss of 'freedom'!!! seems this guy is just gonna be 'the gift that keeps on giving'!! SEASONS GREETINGS TO ALL

 

[geordieladinoz]

Thought I would post my recent 'drunk' on board experience here rather than a new topic.

We were on QF2 LHR - SIN departing on Friday 11th January. We were around 6 hours into the flight when an announcement was made for medical assistance to make themselves known. A half hour or so later mrsgeordieladinoz went to the 'J lounge' to be greeted by an F passenger laid out flat being tended to by crew. The missus has excellent hearing and whilst stretching her legs heard that the gentleman had not been able to control himself, I suspect prior to the flight too, and was in such a state (albeit not aggressive) that the crew felt they could no longer deal with the situation and required assistance.

Sounded like we were not too far away from a detour to DXB.

 

[Albert Hoffman]

In my epxperience a much higher percentage of F passengers are raging alcoholics, while the middle suits in J keep it under control a bit more.

 

[JohnK]

Feel sorry for anyone who drinks to the point where they lose total control. Most times they are only hurting themselves but occassionally other people are affected.

Not defending them but at the same time they need to be held responsible for their actions.

 

[Happy Trails]

He's had his day in court.
Four months and $40,000.

Prison for drunk Qantas passenger - The West Australian

A Qantas passenger whose behaviour was described by a Perth magistrate today as drunken, aggressive and obnoxious will spend four months behind bars and has been left with a $40,000 bill to cover the cost of fuel dumped during an emergency landing for his arrest.

 

[anat0l]

Seems fair.

What does it mean by $3000 good behaviour bond? As in if he behaves himself in jail and shows he's of good character, he can walk out after four months at the cost of $3000? Or he'll walk out after four months and $3000, but if he reoffends, he serves the new sentence plus the five months owing?

 

[harvyk]

Seems fair.

What does it mean by $3000 good behaviour bond? As in if he behaves himself in jail and shows he's of good character, he can walk out after four months at the cost of $3000? Or he'll walk out after four months and $3000, but if he reoffends, he serves the new sentence plus the five months owing?

I do believe it means that after 4 months of jail time he needs to pay $3000 and he is let out. Should he re-offend in any way during the time the bond is in effect he will most likely lose that money. If however he is well behave during that time the money is refunded to him.

 

[tuapekastar]

He's had his day in court.
Four months and $40,000.

Prison for drunk Qantas passenger - The West Australian

A Qantas passenger whose behaviour was described by a Perth magistrate today as drunken, aggressive and obnoxious will spend four months behind bars and has been left with a $40,000 bill to cover the cost of fuel dumped during an emergency landing for his arrest.

Thanks for posting - richly deserved.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Well he won rot in there....unless he does it again.

Serves the cretten right.