A DRUNKEN passenger who caused terror on a packed flight from Cyprus to Bournemouth airport has escaped being sent to prison.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard how violence had flared 40 minutes before the Thomson plane was due to land on May 9 last year.

Prosecutor Thomas Horder said doorman Andrew Wiseman, 49, had started throwing ice cubes following an argument with his partner.

“Mr Wiseman was drunk and aggressive. Shortly after the ice cube incident he left his seat and was seen head-butting a teenage boy.”

After verbally abusing the youth, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, shocked passengers tried in vain to intervene.

Mr Horder said: “The cabin crew and two off-duty police officers escorted Mr Wiseman to the rear of the aircraft.

“There was a large number of families on board; several people were crying. The elderly lady sitting next to him was also very distressed.

Wiseman from Victoria Road, Bournemouth, told flight attendant Gemma Foster: “If you want me to kick off; I can really kick-off” before grabbing an off-duty police officer by the throat and pinning him against a wall.” The officer escaped uninjured.

Mr Horder said: “Mr Wiseman then punched and kicked the side of the aircraft. Staff attempted to calm him down but he shouted further abuse. The aircraft was ready to land and he was persuaded to sit down.”

After being arrested at the airport, Wiseman caused £203 of damage to a custody van on his way to the police station. He admitted being drunk on an aircraft and causing criminal damage.

In a statement, Miss Foster, who was so traumatised she needed counselling, said: “This incident has affected my self-esteem and confidence. He scared me and appeared shot away. I was very shaken and unable to sleep; he was so angry.

“I’ve always felt work was a safe place. I’m now wary; in such a confined space you can’t escape.”

Defending, Robert Grey said his client was now taking medication for anxiety and no longer drank, having received support from Alcoholics Anonymous. Mr Grey added: “He is very ashamed of his drunken, boorish behaviour.”

Recorder Edward Burgess described Wiseman’s behaviour as “utterly deplorable,” adding: “It must have been terrifying for the other passengers.

“The cabin crew deserve to be applauded. It is a matter of good fortune that there were off-duty police officers who were able to take you in hand.”

He imposed a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Wiseman must complete 240 hours of unpaid work, pay £425 court costs and £203 compensation.

A Thomson Airways spokesman said: “The safety of all our customers and crew is our number one priority and Thomson Airways operates a zero tolerance policy with regard to disruptive behaviour on its flights.”