Graphic designer chasing Hollywood dream handcuffed on BA flight from LA after rage over drink, court hears
Los Angeles-based designer admitted threatening, abusive or insulting words toward crew and interfering with duties; sentencing pending as mental health factors are considered.
A 50-year-old graphic designer who hoped to break into the movie business was handcuffed on a British Airways flight from Los Angeles to London after reacting angrily when he was refused a drink, a court heard Wednesday.
The incident occurred during the 10-hour May 23 flight from Los Angeles to Heathrow, when Simon Jones became louder and more agitated after cabin crew refused to serve any more alcohol. Fellow passengers, including a police constable on board, alerted staff as his behavior escalated. During the pre-flight safety checks, Jones clapped and spoke loudly, prompting the officer to ask him to tone down his language and to be mindful of crew and passengers. Jones reportedly swore at crew members, became irate as he moved around the cabin, and was told not to linger near the emergency exit slide.
The captain then ordered staff not to serve any more alcohol, and Jones moved to the area near the emergency exit slide, where he was told not to linger. He argued with another crew member and began shouting at the ceiling; at one point a passenger raised a protective hand to shield themselves as Jones approached. The crew eventually restrained him with handcuffs in his seat as the captain ordered that restraint; Jones continued to shout and swear as meals were not served on the remainder of the flight. Upon landing, police arrested him.
In court, Jones admitted two counts of using threatening, abusive, or insulting words toward crew while aboard an aircraft and one count of behaving in a threatening, abusive, insulting, or disorderly manner toward a member of aircraft crew. He also admitted intentionally interfering with the performance of a crew member’s duties. His defense said he suffers from mental health conditions and described the flight as emotionally difficult as he prepared to leave Los Angeles after two decades there to return to the UK and his family in order to pursue his dreams of entering the movie industry. The judge, District Judge Kathryn Verghis, said the conduct was “dreadful” from start to finish and ordered a pre-sentence report, noting the weight of the evidence and the need to consider all options before sentencing. Jones, of Bedford, was granted conditional bail ahead of a sentencing hearing scheduled for October 20 at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court.