widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

News / Drunk passenger sparks security alert

A DRUNK airline passenger who disembarked a plane at Shetland’s Sumburgh airport and then headed across the runway, was fined at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

Ian Flaws, of 16 Hestingott, Virkie, pled guilty to breaching the Aviation Security Act on 29 November last year by entering a restricted zone.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the 32 year old had followed the other passengers down the steps off the plane, only to turn in the opposite direction and head for the runway.

It was only when a fire engine raced after him and blocked his way that he turned towards the airport terminal.

Mr Mackenzie said: “The reason for his behaviour was consuming too much alcohol before boarding the flight in Kirkwall, which raises the question of how he got on the flight in the first place.

“It was an act of incredible arrogance and stupidity and had it happened at a larger airport on the mainland the response could have been much more significant than it was here.”

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

Fining him £335, Sheriff Derek Livingston said Flaws behaviour was “unacceptable” during an age when security has become so important.

Kirkwall airport manager David Blackman said he was very surprised to hear that someone had managed to board a plane while drunk without being detected.

“We have café staff who keep an eye out for this and we have an information desk by departure and security are very hot on this sort of thing. I can only assume he was very adept at disguising the fact,” Mr Blackman said.

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Categories
widget/exchange-62widget/pd_widget-6widget/exchange-53widget/pd_widget-7widget/exchange-63widget/exchange-54widget/pd_widget-8widget/exchange-55widget/pd_widget-9widget/exchange-56

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.