- By Shivangi Sharma
- Wed, 22 Oct 2025 03:44 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A man from Bedfordshire has been banned from flying abroad after a disturbing mid-air meltdown that forced flight attendants to handcuff him during a transatlantic journey. Simon Jones, of Willington, was sentenced at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to multiple charges of using threatening and abusive language, disorderly conduct, and interfering with cabin crew duties.
The court heard that the incident occurred on May 23 aboard a flight from the United States to London Heathrow. Jones began behaving erratically during the pre-flight safety checks, clapping, speaking loudly, and making inappropriate remarks. Prosecutor Ashleigh Ettienne said his disruptive behaviour escalated rapidly despite repeated efforts by cabin crew to calm him.
Jones allegedly shouted at staff, demanding alcohol and shouting, “Give me a f****** glass for my drink.” The passenger seated next to him described him as “agitated and unpredictable,” adding that he frequently stood up to use the lavatory and swore loudly throughout the flight.
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Threats And Escalation
When his pillow brushed his neighbour’s foot, Jones threatened him, saying, “If you do that again, I’ll put that in your f****** face.” The frightened passenger immediately asked to be moved. As tensions rose, the captain ordered that Jones be denied further alcohol and instructed crew members to monitor him every 15 minutes. His erratic pacing and loud outbursts disrupted the crew’s ability to serve other passengers.
At one point, Jones even sat on the emergency exit door, prompting alarm among staff. When confronted, he began shouting at both passengers and crew, forcing the captain to authorise his restraint.
Restrained Mid-Flight
According to the prosecution, Jones had to be handcuffed to his seat for the remainder of the flight. He later shouted at a crew member, “Oi, blonde boy, loosen them cuffs or I’ll wrap them around your neck.” His outburst caused significant distress to both passengers and staff until the plane landed safely at Heathrow.
Defence counsel Gurbinder Tamana told the court that Jones’s behaviour was “completely out of character,” explaining that he suffers from bipolar disorder and had not been taking his medication at the time. “He was going through a difficult period and has since been prescribed new medication,” Tamana said, adding that Jones has since found stable employment.
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Judge Kathryn Verghis handed Jones a 12-month community order, 150 hours of unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation days, and a six-month ban from international travel. “The incident was sustained from the very start of the flight,” Judge Verghis said. “Your behaviour towards a fellow passenger and crew was completely unacceptable.”