A warning to those who drink and fly: jail time is no longer just a threat. A young man who became inebriated on a flight to England now faces over a year in jail.
Drunk Passenger Who Refused To Wear Mask And Attacked Flight Attendants Is Sentenced To 14-Months In Jail
Last month, I told you about Daniel Hendry and his fateful flight home. Hendry was returning to Manchester from Tenerife on Ryanair and smuggled a large bottle of Smirnoff vodka onboard. He proceeded to drink most of it onboard, become drunk, refuse to wear a mask, attack the crew, then attack police when the aircraft landed.
With many witnesses onboard plus video of the incident, Hendry did not have much of a defense. Yesterday, the Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester heard his case.
Some highlights:
- Samuel Proietti, an Italian Ryanair flight attendant, testified against him
When Proietti told Hendry to put on a mask, Hendry responded, “F**k off, I’m going to punch you. I’m going to smash your head in!” He then proceeded to mock Proietti’s nationality by calling him a “fascist” and making salutes similar to how former dictator Benito Mussolini was saluted.
- His lawyer claimed he was too drunk to remember anything (therefore he lacked the necessary intent to do harm)
- Hendry has a history of trouble with the law and was not happy when his probation officer asked him to explain himself
Per the UK Daily Mail:
When interviewed by a probation officer he claimed air steward Mr Proietti was a ‘f***ing clown’ adding: ‘He would have been really hurt had I cut him in the face. I’m sick of being asked questions about that day. If you believe him you are the problem.’
- The pilot wanted to divert, but due to COVID-19 concerns and border restrictions, he was urged to continue to Manchester
If you care to watch it, here’s a video of the incident, though be warned the language is vulgar:
Judge Condemns Drunk Passenger
The judge excoriated Hendry, stating:
Traveling on a plane places a special duty on passengers to behave in an orderly way in order to avoid catastrophic consequences.
You have shown no remorse towards the cabin crew. You were foul-mouthed, aggressive, racist and caused distress to staff and 99 passengers including children and pensioners.
Why should they have to put up with your abuse? Why should trained and qualified staff have to deal with someone like you taking up valuable time to the detriment of other passengers?
Why should the captain, responsible for every life on that flight, have to face the extra anxiety caused by your hostile behaviour? Immediate custody is unavoidable in your case.
CONCLUSION
Justice was swift and Hendry’s jail sentence sends a chilling warning to others: there are consequences for drunken and disorderly conduct on airplanes in the UK.
> Read More: Intoxicated Passenger Headbutts Flight Attendant When Told To Wear Mask
A long prison sentence is in order: I’d give 6 or 9 months, not the typical 4 weeks/slap on the wrist. These pests need to get an unequivocal message that their vile thuggery won’t be tolerated….
Since when is being drunk an excuse? If that was true no one would serve time for DUI.
Many years ago I had a flight (I think it was PHX to BWI) and the plane was amazingly empty. I think I was in first but literally there were less than 40 passengers on board. This lady then came on board and as she “walked” down the aisle, I could over hear the GA who was watching her say “I’m going to have to take her off the plane” to the FA. The lady was wasted. Not belligerent but clearly a danger if there were any flight emergencies or possibly post take off. When she was being removed I don’t think she had any clue what was going on.
Drinking and flying is a bad idea. And then too many add “medications” to that which makes it worse.