A drunk plumber has been fined over £3,000 after causing a significant disruption on a British Airways flight bound for Las Vegas. Emmet Moynihan, 31, pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft and disobeying the orders of the captain.
The incident occurred on August 6 when the aircraft was grounded at Heathrow due to delays. Moynihan, who was traveling with a group for a stag do, insisted on using the toilet while the plane was still at the gate. Despite repeated warnings from cabin crew, he became abusive, shouting at staff and passengers.
Footage captured by passengers showed Moynihan shouting, "This is a fking joke," and "Stop f*ing filming me." He was also observed to smell of alcohol by other passengers. The situation escalated to the point where the co-pilot had to intervene.
Due to Moynihan's behavior, the flight, BA275, was forced to abandon its take-off and return to the terminal. Armed officers subsequently escorted Moynihan from the aircraft.
Appearing at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court, Moynihan's legal representative stated that the defendant had a clean record and expressed shame for his actions. He explained that Moynihan had been drinking with his group in Cork before the flight and that free alcohol flowed during the initial delay. The defense also suggested that the filming by other passengers aggravated the situation.
Sentencing Moynihan, Magistrate Mrs Joseph JP described the offense as "very, very serious." She noted that the incident occurred while the plane was still on the ground, preventing a more severe outcome that would have occurred if the flight had been airborne. Moynihan was ordered to pay a total of £3,199, which included a £2,224 fine, an £890 surcharge, and £85 in costs. He was also advised that his visits to Alcoholics Anonymous indicated he had accepted an alcohol problem.