Thug faces 4yrs in jail and €15k fine
Leroy Thomas Hyland AN Irishman has admitted assault and threatening crew with violence after an air rage incident.
Leroy Thomas Hyland, 26, appeared before a court in Sydney where he pleaded guilty to three charges in relation to a disturbance on a Delta Air Lines flight last October.
The thug admitted behaving in an offensive and disorderly manner on an aircraft, common assault and assaulting/ threatening with violence/intimidating aircraft crew.
Tuesday’s hearing was told Hyland, who lives in Australia on a temporary working visa, was arrested following an incident on Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to Sydney on October 10 last year.
Australian Federal Police officers responded to a request for assistance and arrested him when the aircraft touched down at Sydney International Airport at 7.20am.
In a statement issued following Hyland’s arrest, the AFP said a man had
reportedly approached the cockpit door mid-flight, refused to obey instructions to return to his seat, began behaving in a disruptive manner and assaulted a crew member.
The cabin crew then initiated security procedures and Hyland was restrained for the remainder of the flight.
AFP Airport Police Commander, acting Detective Superintendent Simone O’mahony said she hoped the case reminds passengers of the importance of maintaining public order and safety within the aviation system.
She added: “The safe travel of passengers through our airports is a key priority for the AFP.
“This behaviour has no place in our aviation system and, while there was no significant delay or personal harm caused on this occasion, it should still serve as a warning to others.
“If you risk the safety of your fellow passengers you risk facing significant penalties.”
The case was adjourned until March 5 when Hyland will be sentenced.
The charges he has pleaded guilty to carry a maximum sentence of four years in prison and a €15,850 fine. Delta Airlines