Passenger to Gatwick vaped on flight and assaulted cabin crew

Omar Edwards was travelling back from Jamaica to London Gatwick on November 12, 2022.

Edwards was first to board the aircraft and was seen grabbing items from seats.

The 26-year-old was challenged about this twice.

A member of the cabin crew spoke to him after they suspected he was vaping in the toilet on board.

It is illegal to use vapes as the batteries cause a risk of fire inside the aircraft.

Edwards, a labourer, had previously been warned about vaping on board the outbound flight from London Gatwick.

After being challenged, he became abusive and swore at cabin crew workers.

He demanded a drink and was told to sit down, and a drink would be taken to him.

But instead he snatched a carton of juice and tried to walk away.

Edwards, of Medway Road, Bow, London then assaulted a cabin crew worker.

His behaviour caused alarm and distress to other passengers.

• READ MORE: Man jailed for sexually assaulting woman at Gatwick airport

Omar Edwards has been jailed (Image: Sussex Police)

Sussex Police is sharing details about the case to raise awareness that abuse of cabin crew workers on board flights is not acceptable.

At Crawley Magistrates’ Court Edwards was found guilty of behaving in a threatening, abusive, insulting and disorderly manner to cabin crew, contrary to the Air Navigation Order 2016 and assault.

Edwards was sentenced to five months in prison.

He was also ordered to pay compensation of £2,400 to the victims on board, a £500 fine, and £675 court costs.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Graham Gray from Gatwick CID said: “All abuse of cabin crew is unacceptable, it should not be seen as just a part of their job.

“Edwards’ behaviour was so poor that despite being given numerous warnings, he continued to ignore cabin crew.

“Indeed his behaviour was so poor that he was given an official written warning by the captain on board.”