Air rage passenger faces prison

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A County Durham man who terrified fellow passengers on board a holiday flight has been warned he faces jail.

Stephen Robinson, from Hope Town Lane, Darlington, was also told he may never be allowed on board a plane again.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that the 53-year-old became aggressive when told not to smoke on a Thomas Cook flight from Turkey to Newcastle last March.

He admitted endangering safety and assault and will be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on 28 September.

An airline steward was hit in the face during the row which started when Robinson defied the no smoking signs and became increasingly aggressive when asked to put his cigarette out.

He clambered over other passengers in his row of seats, and in the melee an airline steward was hit in the face and his teeth were damaged.

He is the sort of person I think should never go on an aircraft again Judge Esmond Faulks

The packed Boeing 757, from Antalya to Newcastle, was diverted to Frankfurt, where Robinson was removed from the aeroplane.

Tim Parkin, prosecuting, said Robinson's behaviour was reckless.

He added: "The defendant made clear that his recollection of this incident is imperfect."

Robinson was granted bail by Judge Esmond Faulks, who said that the charges were serious and no promises were being made about sentence.

The judge added: "He is the sort of person I think should never go on an aircraft again."