15 May 2024 , 09:35
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A drunken passenger threatened to "chin" a plane's cabin crew member after they confiscated a drink from his hand.
Lout Benjamin Lynch was on the packed return flight to Manchester from Turkey when he became drunk, falling onto another passenger as it landed and stumbling down the aisle while the seatbelt lights were still on in taxi. His mother Patricia Lynch was also drunk, a court heard, and told police officers to "f***off" as they tried to arrest him.
A judge sentencing Lynch issued a stinging warning to Brit holidaymakers ahead of the summer, reiterating how "terrified" other passengers on the flight last May were. Some 179 other passengers were on the EasyJet plane back from Antalya at the time, including babies and young children.
Patricia Lynch, 59, and her son, 29, both pleaded guilty to being drunk on board an aircraft. The two, both from Ribbleton, Lancashire, were sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday.
The younger Lynch - who the court heard has 14 previous convictions for 23 offences - was jailed for four months. His mother, who has no previous convictions, was jailed for two months, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, MEN reports.
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The court heard she was in a 'different position' to her son and there was a 'distinction' between their offending on the flight. Judge Jonathan Seely said Benjamin Lynch displayed 'gross selfishness and a complete lack of respect'.
He said: "The behaviour was started by you, Benjamin Lynch, and went on for a very long time. You behaviour was disgraceful - totally selfish. You should not get on an aeroplane as an adult if you cannot control your drinking or your behaviour.
"Those who become drunk on an aircraft whilst in flight must expect a custodial sentence. A lot of people on that flight were probably terrified of flying. Then when someone kicks off like you did - why should they have to suffer your abuse?"
Judge Seely said the behaviour of Patricia Lynch was 'disgraceful', but less serious than that of her son. James Hudson, prosecuting, said the flight time was four-and-a-half hours and Benjamin Lynch's behaviour began around two-and-a-half hours in. He was first spotted standing at the back of the plane speaking loudly and swearing. He was warned, the court heard, but didn't stop.
About an hour before landing, a passenger asked to be moved because of Lynch's behaviour, but the court heard he 'tried to provoke a reaction', pushing the man and 'entering his space'. Patricia Lynch, the court heard, ordered a vodka and lemonade and accused the passenger of 'taking the p*** '.
The court heard drinks were then taken from them by cabin crew. That, said Mr Hudson, prompted a 'strong reaction' from Benjamin Lynch, who threatened to 'chin' the member of cabin crew then stood up and squared up to him, knocking over drinks as he did.
The court heard after sitting back down, he went to the toilet four times on approach to Manchester then 'began stumbling' down the aisle as the plane taxied to a gate after it landed, falling onto a passenger with a baby nearby at one stage. When police boarded, he walked down the aisle with his hands outstretched to be handcuffed. He then began to lie on the floor.
Mr Hudson said Patricia Lynch began arguing with the officers, telling them her son had done nothing wrong. "She tried to push past officers and also told officers to f*** off," he said.
"The officers described her as slurring her words and smelling of alcohol. Both pleaded guilty at the first opportunity." The court heard Benjamin Lynch showed 'heartfelt and genuine remorse' and wanted to issue an apology.
It was said to have been a 'particularly fraught vacation' and he suffered from anxiety and claustrophobia. His mum was said to have been 'trying to placate' her son and her role was described by her counsel as 'secondary' to his and 'extremely out of character'.
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Judge Seely, however, said: "People have to be responsible for their own actions, and alcohol is no excuse. It is about other people. Children were affected."