Man faces court for multiple aviation charges

A 38-year-old Sydney man is scheduled to face the Downing Local Court today after being charged for alleged disruptive behavior on a flight from New Zealand to Sydney last month.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) received a request for assistance on the evening of 21 February 2020 in regards to the man’s alleged disorderly conduct and non-compliance with crew instructions.

It is alleged the man did not comply with airline crew directions during a critical part of landing and used offensive language against both the crew and other passengers while on board.

It is further alleged that the man obstructed a responding AFP officer during the course of their duties.

AFP Commander Brett James said the court proceedings should serve as warning for others to consider their behaviour on flights.

“Disruptive conduct in the air will be met with the full force of the law on the ground” Commander James said.

“The AFP does not tolerate people putting the safety of crew and their fellow passengers at risk. If you do so, you will be prosecuted and face significant penalties.”

The man was issued a summons to appear at the Downing Local Court on the following charges:

  • one count of failing to comply with crew instructions contrary to regulation 309A (4) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is a maximum $5250 fine.
  • one count of offensive and disorderly conduct on board an aircraft contrary to regulation 256AA (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is AUD$10,500 fine.
  • two counts of obstruction of Commonwealth public officials contrary to section 149.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is a two-year imprisonment per count.

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