How toilet row on plane departing Perth led to assault charge
In a statement, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said the man was charged after a response was made to the AFP for assistance on July 14.
It is alleged the man, 59, refused instructions to take his seat by the flight crew as the flight, travelling from Perth Airport to Brisbane, was preparing for departure.
The man allegedly wanted to use the bathroom and pushed a crew member.
The incident was reported to the flight captain, who requested the AFP attend the gate and remove the man from the plane. A man has been charged after allegedly assaulting an airline crew member while trying to use the toilet on a plane departing from Perth Airport. Supplied Credit: Supplied
AFP officers removed the man, who was allegedly uncooperative with police.
He has been charged with one count of assaulting a crew member, contrary to section 318A of the Criminal Code (WA), which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment if convicted.
The 59-year-old faced Perth Magistrates Court on July 29.
AFP Inspector Peter Brindal said airline crew members worked to ensure a safe journey for all travellers and any aggressive or violent behaviour towards them was unacceptable.
'The AFP has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to the assault or mistreatment of airline staff, and anyone who commits such an offence can be prosecuted,' Inspector Brindal said.
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