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Hill Twine Successfully Represents Client Accused of 'Alcohol-Fuelled Abusive Behaviour' on a Ryanair Flight
Our client, MW, was accused of 'alcohol-fuelled abusive behaviour' displayed towards cabin crew on a Ryanair flight bound for Bournemouth Airport. Philomena Murphy represented our client at Poole Magistrates’ Court in October in relation to unusual charges under the Air Navigation Order 2016. Philomena was able to achieve an excellent result for our client, skilfully presenting the client's significant remorse and mitigation to the Court. She persuaded the magistrates to impose a much lower fine than would otherwise be expected in such a case.
MW was charged with behaving in a threatening, abusive, insulting or disorderly manner towards a member of aircraft crew, contrary to articles 245(b) and 265(6) of the Air Navigation Order 2016. He was on a Ryanair flight returning from Barcelona to Bournemouth Airport.
MW was charged with behaving in a threatening, abusive, insulting or disorderly manner towards a member of aircraft crew
MW instructed Hill Twine Solicitors to represent him in the proceedings at Poole Magistrates’ Court. The client accepted full responsibility for his actions and expressed his unreserved remorse for an incident that was wholly out of character.
Our client was concerned that the court might impose an order which would ban him from flying. As he travelled regularly for business, this outcome would have a significant impact on his livelihood. He was represented by Philomena Murphy. She advised him on the law relating to the offence, reassuring him a flying ban was not something the court could impose. She informed him that the penalty is a Level 4 fine, meaning a fine up to £2,500. Given his acceptance of responsibility, Philomena advised him to enter a guilty plea at the first opportunity. With full credit for entering a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity, this would reduce the potential fine value down to £1,675.
Philomena successfully persuaded the Magistrates to impose a fine significantly below the maximum of £2,500.
MW accepted the advice given and Philomena proceeded to deliver a full plea in mitigation on MW’s behalf. She expertly outlined for the Bench our client’s circumstances, skilfully representing to the court the significant remorse he felt for his actions. Philomena successfully persuaded the Magistrates to impose a fine significantly below the maximum of £2,500. Notably, MW was fined £430; significantly less than the reduced fine value, and just 17% of the maximum fine. In a similar case in Leeds in September, the defendant received the full £2,500 fine.
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