Australian man charged after assaulting crew and passenger on Phuket-Melbourne flight
A 21-year-old Australian was arrested for assaulting a cabin crew member and another passenger on an international flight from Phuket to Melbourne.
On an April 1 service from Phuket to Melbourne, a 21-year-old Australian allegedly seized a female flight attendant’s shoulders after she refused his invitation to hug, shaking her before moving to the rear of the cabin. There he is accused of striking a male passenger in the face as the man exited a restroom cubicle. Cabin crew held the suspect until Australian Federal Police officers arrived at the arrivals gate and escorted him away.
Video released by one outlet's shows the man being led off the aircraft by several officers. He has been charged with assaulting an aircraft crew member and common assault, offenses that carry maximum penalties of ten years and two years imprisonment. A court date is set for Monday at Broadmeadows Magistrates Court.
Why it matters
The incident highlights security and safety concerns on commercial flights and the legal consequences of onboard violence.
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