Ricky James Friedman makes threats and abuses Jetstar staff after 15 minute delay
A Townsville airline passenger threatened to bash someone’s head in and abused flight crew because of a 15-minute delay, a court has heard.
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A Townsville man who lost the plot after being told to wait in his airline seat for 15 minutes after they landed will have to pay a hefty price.
A court has heard how Ricky James Friedman had been travelling on Jetstar flight from Brisbane on July 11 when there was an unforeseen delay after they touched down in Townsville.
Police prosecutor Cassandra Nitz said Friedman was “not happy” after being told to remain seated with his seatbelt on, during the delay.
“(Friedman) removed his seatbelt, stood up and started yelling profanities at staff and passengers on the flight,” Ms Nitz said.
“He continued to refuse to comply with directions (and) became more aggressive and started to punch the back of the seat in front of him where another passenger was seated.
“He then yelled and threatened another passenger saying he will bash their skull in, and swearing.”
When questioned about his behaviour by police, he said when he sleeps, sometimes he yells out, and he couldn’t understand why the police were there.
Friedman pleaded guilty in Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday to one charge of offensive or disorderly behaviour on an aircraft.
Defence lawyer Carly Hoyer said her remorseful client had a lifelong difficulty with alcohol and had been “in and out of rehab on at least three prior occasions”.
She said he had boarded the flight to Townsville to check himself into rehabilitation at St Vincent de Paul’s Drug and Alcohol Residential Recovery Service.
He admitted himself into treatment the day after his arrest.
Ms Hoyer said he had since taken some “positive steps”, was about to complete the program and begin another transitional program.
Friedman had also gained full-time employment on Magnetic Island as a builder.
Magistrate Ken Taylor said the incident would have been a distressing experience for those on board the flight.
Given that it was a fine-only offence, he imposed a $1000 fine and recorded a conviction.
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