Drunk businessman banned by Qantas over ‘embarrassing’ flight behaviour

A businessman banned from flying with Qantas after making stabbing gestures at a flight attendant and calling her a ‘cow’ has been fined for his behaviour.

A businessman banned from flying with Qantas after making stabbing gestures at a flight attendant and calling her a cow has been fined for his behaviour.

Nathan Alexander Gollan, from Adelaide, was excused from appearing at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday when he was fined $1000.

Federal Prosecutor Daniel Trigger said trouble began when Gollan and his brother removed their face masks while boarding the flight to Brisbane on February 10, 2021.

Cabin crew informed them of mask requirements and Gollan, with slurred speech, replied that they would be eating and drinking the entire flight.

The flight manager, who was under the impression Gollan was drunk, refused to supply him with a glass of red wine during the meal service.

“In response, the defendant formed both of his hands into fists and then violently slam them down onto his tray table several times,” Mr Trigger said.

Gollan told the manager that he knew when he walked onto the plane that she “was a f-----cow and a f------ b----”.

“He then made stabbing gestures with his fingers toward the manager and stated that she had picked on the wrong guy and that she was again quote ‘f----- b----’ when he impeded on her personal space,” Mr Trigger said.

Nathan Gollan was escorted off a flight by Federal Police for his behaviour. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley

“The defendant’s tone and language was loud and disruptive such that another cabin crew member from the rear of the aircraft came forward to contact the captain in relation to the defendant's behaviour.”

The 48-year-old told police he drank four beers and a glass of wine in the Qantas lounge before boarding his flight.

Defence lawyer Nick Dore on Friday requested the matter was dealt with in Gollan’s absence given he lived in Adelaide.

He pleaded guilty on Gollan’s behalf to behaving in an offensive and disorderly manner on an aircraft.

Gollan had a prior offence on his history of disorderly behaviour and seven traffic offences related to drink driving.

Mr Dore said his client was a precious metal dealer in Brisbane on business who was embarrassed and remorseful for his actions.

A letter of apology was tendered to the court.

Magistrate Rob Turra fined Gollan $1000 and a conviction was recorded.

Qantas banned the long-time passenger for flying with the airline for six months.