A drunk passenger was abusive and hit a cabin crew member on a flight.

Harrison Tilson abused passengers and staff on board the aircraft from Palma in Mallorca to Gatwick after drinking three glasses of Champagne prior to boarding and then a further three glasses of red wine on board.

As he became intoxicated, the 33-year-old spilt alcohol on a fellow passenger.

Throughout the flight on May 15, 2023, Tilson, who had attended a triathlon event in Mallorca, refused to comply with instructions given by cabin crew.

His behaviour from the outset was rude and abusive, swearing at fellow passengers and crew.

When the aircraft landed, he ignored the instruction to stay seated and went to the toilet while the plane was taxiing to the terminal.

He confronted a passenger on board who described his behaviour as a “disgrace” and as he motioned to strike the passenger he struck a cabin crew worker who tried to intervene.

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The cabin crew worker had to take a significant period off work to recover.

At Lewes Crown Court on October 18, Tilson, a financial worker of Old Town, Lambeth, was sentenced for assault by beating and for being drunk on board an aircraft contrary to the Air Navigation Order.

He was found guilty after an earlier trial at Crawley Magistrates’ Court.

The court imposed a two-year community order, where Tilson must complete 250 hours of unpaid work and ten rehabilitation activity requirement sessions. He was also ordered to pay £1,800 in compensation to the cabin crew worker and court costs of £1,500.

PC Sam Fee from Gatwick CID said: “It is an offence to get on board an aircraft while drunk.

“This case demonstrates the impact alcohol can have on your body. The impact increases when you are in the air, flying at a higher altitude and with a reduced air pressure.

“Tilson’s behaviour was appalling. No cabin crew worker should have to accept being abused and assaulted as simply part of the job.

“That is why we are determined to pursue prosecutions against those who break the law on board aircraft.

“For Tilson, this has proved to be an expensive case.

“It should act as a warning to all passengers about the risks of consuming alcohol before boarding a flight or while on board.”