Flight from Newcastle delayed by drunk business class passenger’s aggressive outburst

A was thrown into chaos and delayed after a drunk passenger forced the plane to taxi back from the runway just before take-off. Shaun Hewitt, an off-shore worker, was travelling in flight bound for for work. However, after “sampling a little bit too much alcohol” prior to boarding, he became aggressive when asked to quieten down due to complaints about his noise level.

The 33-year-old’s “angry behaviour”, which included shouting and swearing, alarmed the cabin crew to such an extent that they felt “uncomfortable”, leading to the decision to return the aircraft to the terminal. As police arrived to deal with the situation, Hewitt’s outburst intensified, as he hurled abuse at the officers, saying “f*** off, I have done nothing, you f*****g divvy, move out the way you f*****g a******e”.

During his appearance at Newcastle Magistrates Court, it was revealed that despite claiming to have had only “two pints”, Hewitt had to be restrained and was subsequently arrested. The South Shields resident pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft.

Prosecutor Lesley Burgess recounted the events of December 12 last year, detailing how Hewitt refused to move seats after a complaint about his loudness, responding with a tirade of expletives and insisting he would not budge.

She said: “He was very angry and the crew were uncomfortable with him flying. The aircraft had moved right up to where it would take off from but then came back to the terminal.”

When police arrived to arrest him, Hewitt hurled abuse, the court heard. Defending, Jason Smith, explained that Hewitt was on his way to Thailand for offshore work.

He said: “Two weeks before this, his grandma died and he received some inheritance. He was upset about that still. He used some of the money to purchase an upgrade on the flight out to Thailand. He accepts he probably sampled a little bit too much alcohol before he got on board.”

District Judge Kate Meek clarified the limitations of the magistrates’ court regarding sentencing for being drunk on an aircraft, noting that more severe penalties would require crown court involvement.

Judge Meek decided to escalate the matter to Newcastle Crown Court, highlighting the disruption caused by Hewitt: “You caused a delay to the flight and a significant delay. You behaved in the way you did with other passengers there, while they’re in a position where they cannot get off the plane.”

Hewitt, of Prince Edward Road, South Shields, has been granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear at the crown court on April 7.