Graphic designer who wanted to work in Hollywood handcuffed on British Airways flight from LA after drink refused

A graphic designer who dreamed of working in Hollywood was handcuffed on a British Airways flight from Los Angeles to London after erupting in anger when cabin crew refused him another drink, a court heard.

Simon Jones, 50, who had lived in Los Angeles for two decades and hoped to break into the movie industry, appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Friday to admit two counts of using threatening, abusive, or insulting words toward crew while in an aircraft, one count of behaving in a threatening, abusive, insulting or disorderly manner toward a member of aircraft crew, and one count of intentionally interfering with the performance of a crew member's duty.

During the 10-hour flight to London Heathrow on May 23, Jones grew increasingly irate after the captain ordered that no more alcohol be served. Court heard he clapped during the pre-flight safety procedure and swore loudly, drawing the attention of fellow passengers and cabin crew. A policeman on board, Jeremy Brown, tried to calm him as the flight attendants declined further service. Jones continued to escalate, swearing at Brown, spitting as he spoke, and calling Brown a fg c. When Brown’s pillow accidentally touched his foot, Jones threatened, saying, "If you do that again, I will put a pillow in your f*ing face." The confrontation intensified as Jones argued with another crew member and moved toward the emergency exit area before being restrained in his seat by cabin crew.

The captain ordered the defendant to be restrained in his seat with handcuffs, and the crew halted on-board meal service as the disturbance continued. Upon arrival at Heathrow, police constable Luke Adams boarded the aircraft and arrested Jones.

Defence solicitor Katie McFadden said Jones suffers from mental health conditions and described the flight as an emotional chapter in a life spent moving between the U.S. and the United Kingdom. He had been living in Los Angeles for 20 years, was married and divorced, and had decided to return to the UK to be with family and pursue opportunities in the movie world.

District Judge Kathryn Verghis acknowledged the seriousness of the conduct, calling it dreadful from start to finish, and noted that a pre-sentence report was appropriate. She said the weight of the evidence justified withholding immediate sentencing and indicated that an all-options report would be prepared, which could include a potential committal for sentence. Jones, of Bedford, was granted conditional bail ahead of a sentencing hearing on October 20 at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court.

The case underscores the potential consequences of disruptive behavior on long-haul flights and the legal responsibilities of passengers and crew in maintaining safety in the skies, even as Jones pursues his personal ambition to enter the film industry.