A DISRUPTIVE passenger who forced a Jet2.com flight from Leeds-Bradford Airport to Cyprus to divert to Manchester has been jailed for six months.

Joshua Strickland, 21, of York, who had been consuming his own alcohol illicitly on the Larnaca bound flight, threatened a family and also verbally abused a cabin crew member.

Strickland, who had pleaded guilty to being drunk onboard an aircraft, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday.

In addition Jet2.com is vigorously pursuing to recover £10,300 for the costs incurred and has issued him with a lifetime ban from flying with the Yeadon-based airline.

After the case, Phil Ward, managing director of Jet2.com, said: “We are thrilled with the decision by Manchester Crown Court today. Joshua Strickland’s violent outburst was absolutely unacceptable and caused a lot of distress plus significant delays for our customers.

“Our customers, many of whom are families, should be able to look forward to an enjoyable flight experience with us and we will not let a disruptive few spoil this.

"We will take whatever action necessary to stamp it out. Passengers should be in no doubt that the consequences of abusive and unruly behaviour onboard aircraft do lead to custodial and financial penalties.”