A SWISS pilot has alleged a mother-daughter duo from London attacked him over a baby stroller.
Henrietta Mitaiare, 23, and Mary Roberts, 53, were traveling from Zurich (ZRH) to London (LHR) last May with Mitaiare’s child. Upon boarding, Mitaiare was informed she could not take her baby stroller onboard and would need to check it at the door of the aircraft.
She was not happy about the request, arguing with the gate agents and purser (manager) onboard that she wanted to collapse it and place it in the overhead bin. Mitaiare claimed it was too expensive to go in the cargo hold. The flight attendant explained there was no space in the overhead bin, even if it did fit, because the flight was full.
Upon landing in Heathrow, Mitaiare demanded the name of the purser. The purser offered his business card, but Mitaiare allegedly refuse to accept it. The captain stepped out of the flight deck and said, ” You have already the name of the person if there is a problem you can write to Swiss.”
Mitaiare pulled out her camera and began filming the captain. The captain responded, “Ok, we’ll have to stop it. Could you please step outside?” He allegedly brushed against her, in attempt to step by.
Moments later, Mitaiare and Roberts lunged at the captain and the two were soon fighting on the floor. Police were called in to break up the fight.
The case is being heard before the Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court in west London.
Roberts and Mitaiare have pleaded not guilty, saying they did not assault the captain.
CONCLUSION
Something seems to be missing. Was there alcohol involved? Did the captain shove Mitaiare? What could possibly have caused both of them to tackle the captain?
Wouldn’t it be that the pursuer “allegedly” offered his business card? As she “allegedly” refused…
Some FA /CSD get on ego or power trips, I wonder if you didn’t have status with UA or power of the press if things might have turned out different on that Ua flight many years back.
We’ve all seen those overly officious , petty martinets, stalking around the cabin fully believing they’re God’s gift to aviation. Even Matthew got booted off by a pair of them.
In this case I tend to believe Ma and Grannie.
The trial is over. Update:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-51749556
Here’s the outcome: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-51749556