A drunk newlywed pinched a cabin crew’s bottom and told the manager he would ‘bite her nose and ear off and burn her like Guy Fawkes’.
Mohammed Razaq was on board a flight from Dubai to Manchester last spring when the disruption happened.
The 29-year-old had returned home from a three-month holiday in Pakistan where he got married.
Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard he had been drinking at an ‘alarming rate’ in the airport before the flight.
Prosecuting, Lisa Boocock said Razaq was swaying in his seat and three hours into the flight was seen ‘intimidating’ passengers and being aggressive and abusive.
He had a bust up with a crew member after refusing to wear a face mask and started punching a headrest, causing £200 worth of damage.
A passenger intervened but Razaq became more aggressive.
‘Passengers were becoming concerned for their safety,’ Ms Boocock said. ‘He punched [the seat] with such force, the galley assistant said it was used like a punch bag, bending the headrest inwards.’
He then started punching his own hand and the seat in front. Cabin members became worried for staff and passengers safety.
The crew member who had her bottom pinched described how she had been left terrified following the ordeal.
‘His actions left her in shock. She said he had no right to touch her or disrespect her in this way,’ Ms Boocock told the court.
He threatened other crew members, telling the manager he would ‘bite her nose and ear off and burn her like Guy Fawkes’, and warned another: ‘Punch me and I’ll knock your f***ing head off.’
The galley assistant said he was ‘horrified’ and said it was the ‘worst experience’ of his seven-year career.
Razaq also went into another passenger’s bag, took out an apple and threatened to throw it at them before falling asleep.
He was arrested when he landed but had to be interviewed the next day because he was so drunk.
‘In his interview, he said he binged on alcohol as he had been in Pakistan for three months and had simply “blacked out” and had no memory of his actions,’ Ms Boocock said.
Razaq was charged with sexual assault, affray, criminal damage, and being drunk on board an aircraft. He admitted all charges at an earlier hearing.
Defending, Thomas Worsfield said Razaq drank heavily as he was returning home to a ‘disapproving’ family after getting married in Pakistan and had not drank since.
‘It was shameful regardless of the circumstances,’ he added. ‘He’s genuinely sorry for his behaviour and it’s a great source of shame to him.
‘Alcohol has been a problem for him for a number of years. It is clear it has featured in his offending. He recognises that and knows it’s a real problem and has been for some years.’
Razaq has previous convictions, including for criminal damage, burglary, and being concerned in the supply of drugs.
Judge Nigel Bird told Razaq he ‘Caused fear in [his] captive audience. As the flight went on, you were making more and more of a nuisance of yourself,’ he added.
‘The decision was made to stop serving you and you became angry, shouting at passengers and caused fear and distress to those around you, including young children. You shouted obscenities at other passengers, refused to wear a mask and were confrontational when challenged.
‘It’s important to remember these events took place on a plane. Those around you could not simply walk away or go home. They were captive to your unfortunate behaviour.’
Razaq, of Burnley, Lancashire, was sentenced to 18 months in jail. He was ordered to pay a £156 victim surcharge.
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