Jail for vodka shame BA pilot

HIGH FLIER: Monaghan A BRITISH Airways pilot’s career is “up in smoke” after he tried to fly a plane while more than four times the drink limit.

Julian Monaghan was found to have necked three double vodkas in his hotel room on an empty stomach before he was due to fly 300 passengers from Gatwick to Mauritius.

Police were called when technician Verity McAllen noticed a strong smell of alcohol on his breath.

Travellers had already started to board when Monaghan was dragged from the cockpit in handcuffs.

The 49-year-old, who worked for the airline for

17 years, pleaded guilty and was jailed for eight months after tests revealed he had

86mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in his system – more than four times the

20mg limit for a pilot. Lewes Crown Court Judge Janet Waddicor said: “The safety, if not the lives, of passengers and crew members are in the hands of the pilot. They are entitled to feel safe.”

Emlyn Jones, defending, said: “His career, livelihood and personal and professional reputation are all up in smoke.”

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