Passenger who vaped on Jetstar flight to Hobart and abused staff, cops fined thousands

A Queenslander who vaped on a flight into Hobart and swore at staff, with fellow passengers forced to wait on the tarmac until police arrived, has been punished with a hefty fine. DETAILS >>

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A QUEENSLAND man who vaped on a Jetstar flight into Hobart and swore at staff, with fellow passengers forced to wait on the tarmac until police arrived to arrest him, has been punished with a hefty fine.

Jai Brodie Spiteri, 27, was fined $4000 on Wednesday in the Hobart Magistrates Court, but avoided having convictions recorded in the wake of the May 2021 episode.

Magistrate Michael Daly heard Spiteri had been on a Jetstar flight from Coolangatta to Hobart when staff observed him vaping.

When they confronted him, Spiteri told the staff member to “f … off”.

A Jetstar flight arriving into Hobart Airport Picture: Zak Simmonds

Spiteri swore loudly during the flight and grabbed a fellow passenger around the chest, with the plane held up at Hobart Airport, once it landed, for police to arrive.

He was escorted to a police vehicle but abused officers, calling one a “f … ing idiot”, threatening to bash one, and claiming “I’m going to have a vendetta and I’m going to end these c … s”.

Defence lawyer Dinesh Loganathan said Spiteri had depression and had been binge drinking before the flight.

“The trip to Tasmania was meant to be an opportunity for Mr Spiteri to unwind and spend some time with his partner,” he said.

“Mr Spiteri does not have any recollection of anything.

“Since this incident he has stopped drinking totally.”

Mr Daly noted vaping was not permitted on any Australian aircraft.

“It was extremely arrogant, outrageous behaviour for anybody to vape on an aircraft. It would have reasonably caused everyone to be really apprehensive about what was happening,” he said.

“When the police did arrive, you abused them and you threatened them.”

Spiteri was held in custody for four days, later pleading guilty to two counts of using abusive language to a police officer, two counts of threatening a police officer, and offensive and disorderly behaviour in an aircraft.

“Your response has been appropriate, you’ve sought medical help, you’ve reduced your alcohol intake,” Mr Daly said.

“You’re a person who hasn’t done this sort of thing before and is unlikely to do it again.”

Spiteri must also pay court costs and levies of $149.30.

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