A man has been charged after allegedly kicking at an airline crew member and biting a passenger trying to restrain him while on a flight from Canberra to Perth.
The Queanbeyan man, 45, allegedly behaved in a “disorderly manner” by shouting, swearing and ignoring safety instructions from airline crew during the flight on April 16.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) further allege the man kicked and pushed the seat in front of him – occupied by a female passenger – before becoming aggressive after she asked him to stop.
“Cabin crew informed the flight captain of the man’s behavior and received authority to restrain the man,” the AFP said in a statement.
It is alleged that the man kicked at the cabin crew manager and attempted to bite a passenger’s arm while he was being restrained.
The man has since been charged with one count each of assault on an aircraft crew member, failing to comply with a safety instruction given by a cabin crew member and offensive or disorderly behavior on an aircraft.
He first fronted Perth Magistrates Court on April 17 but briefly returned to court on Friday.
AFP Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said anti-social or aggressive behavior risked the safety of other people.
“Being in the air does not give anyone a free pass from the law and consequences on the ground,” Superintendent Brindal said.
“The AFP works closely with airlines to ensure the safe travel of people across Australia and will put people before the courts if they are accused of breaking the law.”
