A Queensland man’s flight home ended before it took off after he was kicked off the plane for allegedly assaulting a cabin crew member.
Australian Federal Police officers were called to the tarmac at Perth Airport on July 14 following a request for assistance on a departing flight.
Sean Joseph Howland, 59, wanted to use the bathroom as the four-and-a-half-hour flight bound for Brisbane was preparing for departure and allegedly refused instructions from cabin crew to take his seat.
He then allegedly pushed the crew member, which was reported to the flight captain, who requested officers to attend the gate.
Police allege Howland was uncooperative as he was arrested and removed from the plane.
A photo released this week showed Howland, dressed in business attire, sitting in the back of a police van.
Howland was charged with one count of assaulting a crew member and is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court later on Tuesday.
Sean Joseph Howland (pictured) is accused of assaulting a cabin crew member on a flight preparing for departure
The alleged incident occurred at Perth Airport (pictured)
The maximum penalty for this offence in WA is 14 years in jail.
‘The AFP has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to the assault or mistreatment of airline staff, and anyone who commits such an offence can be prosecuted,’ AFP Inspector Peter Brindal said.
Passengers who notice unruly behaviour in the terminal or on a plane are urged to report it to Airport Watch on 131 237.
