Swalyn Malaice Jackson Barton-Cookes, 23, charged after crew member allegedly assaulted on Perth to New Zealand flight

A young man charged after allegedly attacking a crew member while on a flight to New Zealand has claimed he ‘can’t remember’ what happened.

A young man detained aboard an international flight after allegedly assaulting a crew member has claimed he “can’t remember” what happened.

The Australian Federal Police were alerted to a passenger who was allegedly intoxicated and disruptive on a flight from Perth to Auckland overnight on Tuesday.

The flight was diverted to Melbourne Airport, with AFP officers boarding the plane to remove the New Zealand-born man.

The following day Swalyn Malaice Jackson Barton-Cookes, 23, appeared in the Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court charged with one count of assaulting crew affecting the performance of their duty.

Mr Barton-Cookes was detained aboard the flight. Picture: NewsWire/ Liam Beatty

Wearing a grey hoodie, the Perth resident was supported in court by his partner where he said he had not yet spoken to a lawyer.

The court was told a note on Mr Barton-Cookes’ file indicated he intends to plead not guilty.

When asked if he had anything to say about media requesting copies of his court documents, he said; “I apologise”.

Magistrate Stella Stuthridge adjourned the case to the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court next week after prosecutor Elif Le Son said they would seek to uplift the charge to the County Court.

“Its very serious you need a lawyer to help you with that. You need to see a lawyer right away,” She told Mr Barton-Cookes.

The maximum penalty for the offence of assaulting crew affecting the performance of their duty is 20 years imprisonment.

The man was allegedly intoxicated and disruptive during the international flight. Picture: Australian Federal Police.

According to court documents, police allege an hour into the flight out of Perth, Mr Barton-Cooks swore loudly “in an aggressive manner” and disrupted other passengers.

After the cabin crew manager issued a verbal warning, Mr Barton-Cooks allegedly grabbed his arm and attempted to head-butt the staff member multiple times, the documents state.

Outside of court Mr Barton-Cookes said he didn’t remember what happened on the flight. Picture: NewsWire/ Liam Beatty

It’s alleged crew and other passengers were forced to restrain Mr Barton-Cookes at the rear of the aircraft which was diverted to Melbourne Airport, landing about 1.50am on October 23.

Outside of court, Mr Barton-Cooks said he was embarrassed by the media attention.

When asked what happened on the flight, he said; “I can’t remember”.

Mr Barton-Cooks was arrested after the flight was diverted to Melbourne. Picture: Australian Federal Police.

“Any violence or anti-social behaviour in a confined space in the air would be distressing for other passengers and crew,” AFP Detective Superintendent Stephen Cook said.

“At the very least, in this alleged incident it disrupted everyone’s travel plans.

“Anti-social behaviour during a flight can pose a direct threat to the safety of the aircraft that is taken seriously by airlines and the AFP.”

The AFP have urged anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour at Australian airports to call Airport Watch on 131 237.

Originally published as Swalyn Malaice Jackson Barton-Cookes, 23, charged after crew member allegedly assaulted on Perth to New Zealand flight