Flight delays and cancellations are not only impacting passengers in the United States, but across the United Kingdom and Europe too. Drunkenness also remains a problem. One angry couple was arrested for attacking airport staff, with a man knocking over his girlfriend as he lunged for airport security staff.
Angry Man Shoves Girlfriend Aside As He Lunges At Airport Staff
The couple were flying on EasyJet from Bristol, UK (BRS) to Alicante, Spain (ALC). While waiting to board, the following occurred:
https://youtu.be/caXz-9uYP0o?t=10
Police were called and arrested the couple, though it does not appear charges were filed (instead, the couple was given “conditional cautions,” which represents an alternative to prosecution). According to police spokesperson:
“At around 9:30pm on Friday 17 June, officers based at Bristol Airport responded to a report that members of security staff had been assaulted after two people were stopped from boarding a flight, due to being intoxicated.
“A 39-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of assault. They were both interviewed and given conditional cautions.”
An airport spokesperson added, “Anti-social, violent, or threatening behaviour will not be accepted by Bristol Airport or airlines. Whilst such incidents are rare, we take them very seriously and will fully support any police investigation.”
It really isn’t clear what prompted this, though the police did indicate the couple was intoxicated. Watching the video above, a Good Samaritan appeared to step in to restrain the fight from escalating into something that could have been far worse.
While violent incidents have occurred less since onboard mask mandates in the USA and UK were dropped, intoxication remains a perennial problem for air travelers.
Here, I don’t think the man meant to shove his girlfriend, but in his drunken rage he ended up endangering the person he supposedly loves. The UK has promised to punish those who are drunk and disorderly while at airports and whether or not assault charges are filed, it would be helpful if intoxicated passengers are actually held accountable beyond a slap on the wrist in discouraging similar behavior.
CONCLUSION
In a pathetic lack of self control, a man attacked airport staff in Bristol, nearly injuring his girlfriend, who also joined in the attack. Such behavior is never appropriate and it is time that authorities take a harsher stand against public intoxication, especially when it leads to violence.
But in a summer full of delays and cancellation, I doubt this will be the only incident of violence.
(H/T: View From The Wing)
“Conditional caution”?
https://policecautions.uk/2019/12/08/what-is-a-conditional-caution/
Sounds like a ARD on a DUI or something that is not on your record until you commit another crime, then it returns.
Still believe these governments are way too easy of these type offenders.
Let me guess? This happened in the UK. LOL!!!! What a surprise!!! I used to work there. People start drinking at 4:30AM in the lounges at Manchester airport. They later walk barefoot into the plane lavatory to get the alcohol out. Let me stop here since no more comments are needed.
[deleted] Brits
A tazer would have settled the situation satisfactorily.
A flight from a second tier UK airport to Alicante is essentially the same thing as a Spirit flight from a second tier US city to Ft. Lauderdale. If you don’t have some crazy antics from drunken passengers, what’s even the point of operating the flight. I’ve never flown to Alicante, but if I did, I’d be disappointed if I didn’t see something stupid unfold in front of me.
I assume this guy’s girlfriend was fine, so I don’t feel bad laughing. Getting so drunk that in the process of trying to assault airline staff, you accidentally plow your girlfriend over is some pretty funny stuff.
Jerry, your comment was hilarious – I am a new “Jerry” fan!
Not condoning what the thug did, but there appears to have been something happen leading up to this. You can see the guy in the high vis jacket saying something to the passenger and almost beckoning him forward for verbals or something.
Yeah, I guess the US does not have the monopoly of Karens in air travel!
“Anti-social, violent, or threatening behaviour will not be accepted by Bristol Airport or airlines.”
Actually, based on the outcome, that statement is simply untrue.