A man who caused a 20-minute disturbance on a Jet2 flight to Greece after consuming a bottle of vodka has been sentenced to 15 months in prison. Nathan Cooper, 45, pleaded guilty to affray and being drunk on an aircraft following the incident on July 24, 2025, on a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport to Chania, Greece.
Leeds Crown Court heard that Cooper consumed a bottle of duty-free vodka while the plane was waiting for takeoff clearance. Cabin crew identified him as heavily intoxicated before he began fighting with his travel companion, Christopher McCann, who was seated next to him. Despite efforts by staff to separate the two and move them to the back of the plane, they continued to fight. The prosecution stated that punches were thrown, and Cooper kicked seats and punched lockers.
At one point, Cooper fell from a jump seat where he had been persuaded to sit. Police officers boarded the aircraft to apprehend him. During the arrest attempt, Cooper punched a policewoman and bit another officer on the arm as authorities worked to remove him from the plane. Footage of his arrest was later shared on TikTok. Cooper was described as having "glazed eyes" and repeatedly shouting.
Cooper, a bricklayer from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, received a 15-month custodial sentence and a lifetime ban from flying with Jet2. Judge Taryn Turner stated that Cooper's behavior caused "alarm and distress" to passengers and crew, highlighting the confined and safety-critical environment of an aircraft. She added that those who drink excessively and behave violently in such settings can expect immediate custodial sentences.
McCann, also 45 and from Harrogate, has pleaded not guilty to affray and claims he acted as a peacemaker. His trial is scheduled for August 2027.
