View star back in court

Dundee band The View’s lead singer Kyle Falconer could have to go to an English court to face claims he hurled homophobic abuse at a cabin crew member on board a flight from Europe.

The 29-year-old is accused of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting, swearing and acting aggressively towards other passengers while in possession of two bottles on a flight back to Scotland from Spain in June.

He also faces a second charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by hurling homophobic abuse at male cabin crew member Ryan Carpenter.

However, during Mr Falconer’s latest court appearance at Paisley Sheriff Court yesterday, his solicitor argued that a Scottish court may not have jurisdiction as the alleged offences were committed in the air.

The View frontman’s flight from Barcelona to Glasgow on June 17 last year was diverted to France to have him removed from the plane, and he subsequently travelled to Southampton before flying onward to Glasgow.

Under the Civil Aviation Act 1982, anything that happens on a British-registered plane is a crime in the UK and can be regarded as having been committed on British soil.

Prosecutors therefore say that because Mr Falconer was en route to Glasgow, Paisley Sheriff Court would have jurisdiction.

Lawyers acting for Mr Falconer, however, argue that it had not been proved the plane Mr Falconer was on was UK registered.

The case before Sheriff David Pender was continued for further consideration and Mr Falconer has yet to enter a plea.

Accused: Kyle Falconer.