Unbelievable Moron

[Robert Zweck]

Leaves one breathless, deserves a couple of years in jail to show others this nonsense is not acceptable to civil human beings.

[Greg W.]

The punter surprisingly received one of the lowest penalties under Commonwealth sentencing law. So much for deterrent sentences.

If the Magistrate wanted, there is no ceiling on the amount of restitution ordered. Under Cth sentencing law, if a fine is imposed, a conviction must automatically be recorded. If discharged on a bond under s19B of the Crimes Act, no conviction is recorded (as was the case here). It seems the $1500 restitution is a quasi fine so a conviction would not have to be recorded. Still, IMO, barley a wrap on the knuckles for this type of offence.

[D Chan]

be it V Australia, or Virgin Blue, or Qantas, or Jetstar, or any other international airline - any airline in such a situation would have lost a lot of money because of one person's stupidity. Airlines should have the full right to recover the full costs

[Greg McDonald]

From NEWS.COM.AU:

A PASSENGER whose allegedly drunken behaviour forced a pilot to turn the plane around may be hit with a hefty bill.
James McLaughlan, 28, caused such panic onboard a flight from Glasgow to Turkey that the crew felt he endangered the aircraft and all onboard, a court has heard.

He is now facing a possible £40,000 ($71,500) bill from the travel operator over the incident, the Scotsman reports.

Mr McLaughlan allegedly told a woman sitting next to him on the flight that the plane "was going to crash" and "everyone was going to die".

A flight attendant became concerned when she saw Mr McLaughlan drinking wine and having a heated discussion with another passenger.

He had to be dragged off the plane by police after falling unconscious.

Mr McLaughlan’s lawyer said he consumed alcohol before boarding the plane due to his fear of flying.

He has already been fined £3,150 ($5,641) by the court but could face an extra bill from the liquidator of XL Leisure Group, which may take him to court over airport charges and hotel room fees incurred as a result of the subsequent delays.