LONDON- Two men from Harrogate admitted to being drunk on a Jet2 (LS) flight bound for Chania (CHQ) in Crete before a violent brawl erupted on the aircraft at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). Nathan Cooper, 44, and Chris McCann, 45, were seated next to each other when fighting broke out while the plane was still on the tarmac on 24 July last year.
Leeds Magistrates’ Court heard that cabin crew intervened and moved both passengers to the rear of the aircraft, but the altercation continued until police escorted them off the flight. Cooper faces a potential custodial sentence after pleading guilty to affray, while McCann denied the charge and will appear at Leeds Crown Court.
Two Jet2 Passengers Get Bail
The court heard that the fight broke out after the departure to Chania (CHQ) was delayed by approximately 30 minutes.
Cabin crew noticed passengers in adjacent seats throwing punches while the Jet2 (LS) aircraft remained on the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). Staff moved Cooper and McCann to the back of the plane in an effort to separate them, but the fighting continued.
Witnesses reported that other passengers were visibly distressed, with some seen crying as the violence unfolded. Cabin crew recovered a bottle of vodka from Cooper’s seat during the incident. The situation was only brought under control after both men were escorted off the aircraft by authorities.
Breath Test Reveals Alcohol Level 3 Times the Legal Limit
Following his removal from the plane, Cooper was given a breath test that recorded 112 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
The legal limit for driving in the United Kingdom stands at 35 micrograms, meaning Cooper’s reading was more than three times the permitted threshold.
The presiding judge described the incident in stark terms, noting that a fight on board an aircraft on the tarmac is not how most people wish to start their holidays. He added that he viewed the matter very seriously and indicated that a custodial sentence was likely for Cooper.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
Cooper pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft and to a charge of affray at the first opportunity. The judge acknowledged this early plea and noted that Cooper would receive the maximum sentencing credit as a result. His sentencing is scheduled for 3 June.
McCann admitted to being drunk on the aircraft but denied the affray charge, claiming he acted in self-defence. His case has been transferred to Leeds Crown Court, where it will be heard on 2 June.
Both men were released on bail with conditions that they must not contact each other or enter Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA).
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