Pair admit being drunk on Jet2 flight before take-off

Two men admitted being drunk on a Jet2 plane bound for Crete before a fight broke out and police were called.

Nathan Cooper, 44, and Chris McCann, 45, both from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, boarded the plane at Leeds Bradford Airport on 24 July last year and were in adjacent seats.

Leeds Magistrates' Court heard the plane was still on the runway when cabin crew noticed the brawl and moved the pair to the back of the aircraft, where fighting continued until the men were escorted off.

Cooper also admitted a charge of affray which McCann denied, claiming he was acting in self-defence. Cooper is due to be sentenced on 3 June. McCann's case will be heard at Leeds Crown Court on 2 June.

The court heard a fight broke out after take-off to Chania was delayed by about 30 minutes.

Cabin crew reported seeing passengers crying as punches were thrown, and a bottle of vodka was recovered from Cooper's seat.

Cooper was later given a breath test which showed he had 112 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit for driving is 35mg.

The judge said: "Having a fight on board the aircraft on the tarmac is certainly not the way most people want to remember their holidays."

"I do view this very seriously."

Addressing Cooper, he said: "In your favour you have pleaded guilty at the first opportunity so you should get the maximum credit on your sentence.

"It is likely to be a custodial sentence, whether it will be suspended or not is for the court to consider."

Both men were released on bail on the condition they do not contact each other or enter Leeds Bradford Airport.

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