Man caused chaos on flight after downing five double vodkas and two pints

Christopher Parker leaving Manchester Crown Court
-Credit: (Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)


A drunk holidaymaker caused chaos on a flight when he became "aggressive" and "unpleasant" after downing five double vodkas and two pints of beer. Christopher Parker, 29, boarded the SunExpress flight from Turkey to Manchester airport on August 9 this year.

Manchester Crown Court heard Parker became 'belligerent' after ordering drinks. Parker ignored seat belt signs and instructions from staff as the plane began its descent, leaving his seat twice before walking around the plane.

Upon landing, police boarded the flight and asked to speak with Parker 'calmly'. He proceeded to film the encounter before he was arrested, Manchester Evening News reports.

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Parker admitted entering an aircraft when drunk and was handed a suspended sentence. Cabin crew were already aware of Parker as he boarded the flight in Antalya, prosecutor Samuel Eskdale earlier told the court. While on the flight, he drank five double vodkas and two beers.

The court heard Parker’s behaviour became ‘belligerent’ as the flight descended, ignoring the seat belt signs, leaving his seat twice and walking around then aircraft.

“During the course of an altercation [between the defendant and cabin crew] it is believed the defendant hit another passenger - though no complaint was made,” Mr Eskdale said.

The flight landed at Terminal before police boarded. As the plane door opened, Parker stood directly behind a member of cabin staff as they told officers what had happened.

He was heard shouting over the officers: “I haven’t hit anyone.” He was advised to leave the aircraft and speak to officers calmly. Parker was shouting and was visibly drunk.

“The defendant then took his phone from his pocket to record the encounter. He was told that he was unable to do so because of airport bylaws and told to put his phone away,” Mr Eskdale said.

“He then reached out towards officers who restrained him and arrested for the offence.”

Mitigating, Constance Halliwell said: “He finds himself in an entirely unattractive and undesirable position. He accepts full responsibility for his actions and he is deeply sorry for the distress caused to the cabin crew and other passengers.”

She said her client was diagnosed with mental health issues including depression and anxiety, but said he could be worked with in the community. Sentencing him, Judge Kate Cornell described his behaviour as ‘aggressive, unpleasant and belligerent’.

“This was thoroughly horrible. You were belligerent, but not violent.” Parker, of Eldridge Drive, Manchester, was sentenced to 11 weeks, suspended for 12 months; 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirements; and a £500 fine.