A man has been jailed after a violent incident onboard a plane preparing for take-off at Leeds Bradford Airport.
Nathan Cooper, aged 44, admitted offences including affray and being drunk on an aircraft following the incident at the Yeadon airport.
The disturbance took place on a flight bound for Chania, Crete, on July 24 last year, as the plane was taxiing towards the runway.
Cooper was reported to have started fighting with another passenger in the rear galley of the aircraft, causing concern among cabin crew and passengers.
Police called to intervene
Police officers attended the aircraft while the altercation was still ongoing.
During the arrest, Cooper assaulted officers, punching one and biting another.
A bottle of vodka, believed to have been mostly consumed, was later found at his seat.
Jailed for offences
Cooper, of Dene Park, Harrogate, appeared at Leeds Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to affray and being drunk on an aircraft.
He was sentenced on Wednesday, June 24 to 15 months in prison.
Police warning to travellers
Following the case, West Yorkshire Police issued a warning to the public as the summer holiday season begins.
Officers reminded passengers of the serious consequences of drunk, disorderly and violent behaviour on flights, stressing that incidents can lead to arrest, prosecution and custody sentences.
FULL statement from West Yorkshire Police
A spokesperson said: "Police are giving a timely warning as summer holiday season steps up of the consequences of drunk, disorderly and violent behaviour on aeroplanes.
"It comes as a Harrogate man was jailed this week after fighting on a plane as it was taxiing towards the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport.
"Nathan Cooper, aged 44, of Dene Park, Harrogate, pleaded guilty to affray and being drunk in an aircraft and was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday to 15 months imprisonment.
"The incident took place on a flight to Chania, Crete, on 24 July last year. It was reported that Cooper had started fighting with another passenger in the rear galley of the aeroplane causing members of the crew and other passengers to fear violence.
"On police attendance, the fight was still ongoing, and during his arrest Cooper punched one officer and bit another. A mostly drunk bottle of vodka was found at Cooper’s seat."
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