SINGAPORE: A man, who allegedly caused a ruckus on board a Singapore-bound Scoot flight from Sydney, Australia, and threatened to kill a male crew member, was charged with criminal intimidation on Tuesday (April 1).
Indian national Kolathu James Leo, 42, was also charged with one count each of using criminal force on the flight attendant and being intoxicated on board the plane, jeopardising good order and discipline.
Kolathu was said to be drunk during the flight on Feb 27, when he allegedly started shouting.
He is also accused of attempting to detach a seat pocket and hitting a seat in front of him some time between 11.59am and 12.10pm that day.
He allegedly behaved aggressively when cabin crew tried to calm him down.
Kolathu is accused of grabbing the flight attendant’s right wrist some time between 12.35pm and 12.40pm on Feb 27.
He is also accused of threatening to kill the man at around 5pm that day.
Police said in a statement on March 31 that the Indian national became compliant only when he was told that the aircraft would return to Australia if he continued with his behaviour.
A police spokesperson added: “He was then placed under restraints by the cabin crew for the rest of the journey. Upon arrival at Changi Airport, the man was arrested by officers from the Airport Police Division.”
Kolathu is expected to plead guilty on April 22.
If convicted of using criminal force on the crew member, he can be jailed for up to three months and fined up to S$1,500.
Offenders convicted of threatening to kill another person can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined.
Those convicted of being intoxicated on board a flight, jeopardising good order and discipline, can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $20,000. - The Straits Times/ANN
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