Labourer jailed for five months for being abusive on flight to Gatwick

A labourer has been jailed for five months for “abusive and violent behaviour” towards cabin crew after he was told to stop vaping in a plane’s toilets.

Omar Edwards is said to have “caused alarm and distress to other passengers” by his actions on board the flight from Jamaica to London Gatwick on November 12, 2022.

Edwards, 26, of Medway Road, Bow, London, was found guilty of behaving in a threatening, abusive, insulting and disorderly manner to cabin crew, contrary to the Air Navigation Order 2016, and assault.

As well as the prison term, he was sentenced at Crawley Magistrates’ Court to pay compensation of £2,400 to the victims on board, a £500 fine, and £675 court costs.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Edwards was first to board the aircraft, and was seen grabbing items from seats in an area of the aircraft he was not travelling in.

“He was challenged twice about this.

“Then he was spoken to by a cabin crew member after he was suspected of vaping in the toilet on board.

“It is illegal to use vapes as the batteries cause a risk of fire inside the aircraft.

“Edwards had previously been warned about vaping on board the outbound flight from London Gatwick.

“After being challenged, he became abusive and swore at cabin crew workers.

“He demanded a drink and was told to sit down, and a drink would be taken to him. But instead he snatched a carton of juice and tried to walk away.

“During the incident he then assaulted a cabin crew worker.

Detective Constable Graham Gray, from Gatwick CID, said: “All abuse of cabin crew is unacceptable, it should not be seen as just a part of their job.

“Edwards’ behaviour was so poor that despite being given numerous warnings, he continued to ignore cabin crew.

“Indeed his behaviour was so poor that he was given an official written warning by the captain on board.

“This case demonstrates that abuse of airline workers is not acceptable and we will pursue offenders to ensure they are prosecuted.”