Australian man who threw shoes, shouted profanities on board a plane to be charged with disorderly conduct

A 63-year-old Australian will be charged in court on Thursday (April 2) for his alleged involvement in a case of disorderly conduct on board a plane, causing the aircraft to return to Changi Airport.

Police said in a statement on Wednesday evening that the alleged incident took place at about 6.40pm on March 19.

The man, who was believed to be drunk, was behaving unruly on board a flight. 

He is said to have shouted profanities and thrown his shoes about 20 minutes after the aircraft departed.

Attempts by the cabin crew to calm him down were futile as he purportedly continued to behave in a disorderly manner towards a crew member and had to be placed under restraint.

This led to the pilot deciding to return to the airport for the man to be offloaded.

He was arrested by officers from the Airport Police Division upon arrival.

If found guilty of behaving in a disorderly manner towards a crew member or aircraft, he may be jailed for up to five years, fined up to $100,000, or both.

Police reminded all passengers that they treat all acts of violence, threats and disruptive behaviour onboard aircraft seriously.

"Physical aggression, verbal threats and any interference with aircraft crew's duties can compromise flight safety. 

"The police will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone who endangers the safety of passengers and crew onboard, and threatens the security and order of an aircraft," the police added.

[[nid:732828]]

editor@asiaone.com

No part of this article can be reproduced without the permission of AsiaOne.