The life of a north-east offshore worker has been left in ruins after he caused chaos onboard a flight bound for Aberdeen International Airport.
Gary Thain repeatedly disobeyed the cabin crew in charge of the small Jetstream 41 flight which was travelling from Humberside to Dyce.
The 42-year-old, who was sitting near an emergency exit, refused to take orders from the captain and repeatedly stood up out of his seat as the plane was preparing to land.
Thain’s behaviour meant police were informed before the aircraft carrying a total of 15 people, had even touched down.
His conduct means he has now been banned from boarding all Eastern Airways flights – including those operating under Bristow’s Helicopters.
As a result he can no longer work offshore and has been forced to leave his home in Buckie as he could no longer keep up with his payments.
Yesterday Thain appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court and admitted failing to obey the “commander of an aircraft” for the purpose of the security and safety of the plane on January 9 this year.
Court papers state that he jeopardised the safety of those onboard the plane, and the safety and efficiency of air navigation, by repeatedly failing to fasten his seat belt and remain seated.
Thain had also been accused of being drunk onboard the aircraft, however, his not guilty plea was accepted by the Crown.
Fiscal depute Felicity Merson said: “It was an afternoon flight embarking for Aberdeen at around 2.15pm on a Friday afternoon. The accused had been given instructions by cabin crew about how to open the door in a case of an emergency.
“He had been drinking but appeared sober and was served a further drink during the course of the flight.
“As the flight approached Aberdeen it appeared he was under the influence of alcohol and was refused more. And as the fasten seatbelt signs were illuminated to prepare for landing the accused refused to fasten it.”
Mrs Merson said Thain eventually strapped himself in, however, he continued to take his seat belt on and off four times and was not wearing it when the plane eventually landed.
She said he also stood up when the plane was preparing to land and got to his feet as the aircraft was taxiing on the runway.
The court heard on one occasion the captain of the flight had to be asked to intervene as he was not listening to the other members of staff.
Mrs Merson said police were waiting for him on arrival as they had been notified of the disturbance when the plane was still in the air.
The court heard that when asked by officers if he could remember the flight he said “I am not going to lie to you I haven’t got a clue”.
Thain’s solicitor Michael Burnett said his client’s actions had had “catastrophic” consequences on his life since it had led to him being banned from flying with Eastern Airways – and its parent company, Bristow’s Helicopters.
“He has now lost his job offshore and his house as he can’t keep up with his payments. He is now employed for the local roads department,” he added.
Sentencing Thain, of 39 Seatown, Buckie, Moray, Sheriff Edward Savage said the courts took a “very serious view” of people who hinder the operation of flights.
He said he considered this offence to be at “the lower end of the scale” but added “you caused a great nuisance and you have no excuse to behave in the way that you did”.
Thain was fined £600. He refused to comment as he left court yesterday.