'Drunk' Jet2 plane diversion passenger pleads guilty

Jet2.com said it took a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive passengers

A passenger handed a lifetime ban by an airline after his drunken behaviour led to a plane being diverted has pleaded guilty.

Joshua Strickland "illicitly" drank alcohol he had brought on to the flight in July.

The 21-year-old also threatened a family and a member of cabin crew on the Jet2.com flight from Leeds Bradford to Larnaca, Cyprus, Manchester Magistrates' Court heard.

He is due to be sentenced on 25 August.

Strickland, of Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft.

The court heard when the member of staff attempted to calm him down, the defendant "began to punch the seats".

He was previously fined £12,000 by the airline and banned for life after the flight was forced to divert to Manchester Airport.

Earlier this week Jet2.com published a code of practice on disruptive passengers following collaboration between airlines, airports, the police and retailers.