Couple’s row caused plane to be diverted

A rowing couple’s “foul-mouthed” argument over whether one of them should be served wine mid-flight saw the plane diverted to Portugal because they “endangered the aircraft”.

The Jet2 flight from Stansted to Gran Canaria was diverted to Faro on July 6 2017. Ronald St Ville, 53, and Pauline Gordon, 66, both of Stratford, east London, were charged with endangering the safety of an aircraft. They denied the charges at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Staff on the flight were able to separate them, but were restricted in carrying out other duties, the court heard. The trial continues.