Passenger Demands “F***ing Drink” Over Plane PA, Earns Jail Time

Castle Donington, UK - June 3, 2016: a Boeing 737-330QC (G-CELR) commercial passenger aircraft operated by Jet2 about to land at East Midlands Airport near Nottingham, England. (Photo: iStock)

The impatient traveler received a stiff sentence for his antics aboard a Jet2 Airlines flight in August of last year.

Despite throwing himself on the mercy of the court, a judge handed a disruptive Jet2 passenger a seven-month jail sentence for using the plane’s public address system to demand cocktail service. An August flight from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Tenerife South-Reina Sofia Airport (TFS) was preparing for landing when the captain was reportedly forced to leave the flight deck to deal with the out-of-control 28-year-old flyer who used the intercom to address the cabin, asking, “What does it take to get a f***ing drink in this place?”

Citing the need for a “deterrent sentence,” Manchester Crown Court Judge Martin Steiger threw the book at passenger Matthew Worrall after he admitted to charges of “purposely interfering with the performance of aircraft crew member’s duty.” At sentencing, the judge discounted the defense attorney’s claims that Worrall’s actions amounted to a “moment of madness.”

“It’s perfectly clear from the evidence that the defendant had been drinking and throughout the flight craved more,” the judge chided the defendant in court, according to transcripts obtained by The Telegraph. “At a critical moment, when the plane had begun its descent and at a time when it must have been obvious to the defendant, he got up and used the intercom system, thereby disturbing those on the flight. This was done deliberately and it can’t possibly be said this was a moment of madness – the defendant’s conduct throughout demonstrating a complete refusal to abide by civilized values.”

During Worrall’s inflight outburst, he is also said to have attempted to flirt with a flight attendant who was in the process of preparing for landing. When the captain demanded identification from the misbehaving passenger, Worrall simply retorted, “It’s in the overhead locker and I can’t get it because the seatbelt signs are on.”

Calling Worrall “responsible, trusted and hardworking,” his legal team asked the judge for leniency. “He’s not given any thought to what he’s done, he’s seen a telephone in front of him and stupidly picked it up,” the defense told the court. “He’s ashamed and embarrassed and I feel confident saying he’s never going to trouble a court again.”

Worrall’s attorney also insisted there is no evidence that his client was intoxicated at any point during the flight.

[Photo: Jet2]