Thomas Cribb: Citibank executive in drunken Qantas flight
A high-flying executive banker abused and kicked out at officers at Sydney Airport following a drunken and abusive Qantas flight. “You have no idea who I am,” he told one of the officers before declaring “You’re gone... you think you’ve got power, you’re nothing.”
Central Sydney
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Sydney. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Bikie allegedly lied about home address, criminal history: court
- Top lawyer fronts court on speeding charge
A high-flying executive banker responsible for arrogant and bizarre alcohol-fuelled antics on board an international flight, including abusive threats to sack an AFP police officer, has faced court.
Citibank Sydney managing director Thomas Hasan Dubmore Cribb, 39, who the court had enjoyed a “stellar career”, unleashed mayhem in the final hour of an Auckland to Sydney flight on February 21.
Cribb pleaded guilty to the obstruction of a Commonwealth officer and failing to comply with crew instructions.
The agreed set of facts reveal that as the flight began to descend the Surry Hills single father enjoyed a scotch before ignoring standard in-flight safety rules. The 39-year-old pestered the man sitting in front of him, had a loud phone conversation when electronic devices weren’t allowed, and ignored five requests from a flight attendant to return to his seat as he “just needed to p***”.
Australian Federal Police officers were called to meet the flight and remove Cribb, described as being “belligerent and aggressive”. The 39-year-old made a scene as he left, whining it was “highly embarrassing” and demanded to see the supervisor.
The entitled, aggressive behaviour continued to build with Cribb saying “I can’t believe this is Australia” before unleashing a tirade of abuse at a federal police officer.
“You have no idea who I am, you don’t realise how big a mistake you’ve made,” he said.
“You’re gone, I’m taking your badge, you’ve just f**ked up. I’m taking your job, you think you’ve got power, you’re nothing.”
As police went to arrest the angry man he tried escape, kicking out at two officers as he was held on the ground.
Cribb told police he wouldn’t talk until he could call his lawyer but later apologised for injuring a police officer’s thumb.
A series of character references painted the corporate giant as “a gentle soul”, with Cribb’s lawyer describing the actions as “bizarre” and being out of character.
The court heard a mix of booze and anti-anxiety medication played a role in the wild antics, with the 39-year-old hauled before the Citibank board and now regularly seeing a psychologist.
Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson, in considering Cribb’s remorse, lack of criminal history and positive steps to rehabilitation, placed him on a good behaviour bond without conviction.