Spitting flyer may say sorry for threat

A drunk aircraft passenger will have a chance to apologise to a crew member after spitting in her face on a flight from Auckland three weeks ago.

Kiri Marsh, 32, appeared for sentencing in the Christchurch District Court yesterday after pleading guilty to a charge of assaulting a woman flight attendant on May 24.

Police said Marsh was on an evening flight from Auckland when she ‘‘became increasingly abusive, obstructive, and intimidating towards fellow passengers and crew members’’.

She appeared to be becoming increasingly drunk having consumed an unknown liquid from a drink bottle.

Police said: ‘‘She approached the victim and said, ‘I’m gonna smash your face’.’’

She spat in the victim’s face, with the spittle landing on her cheek close to her mouth.

‘‘Three or four male passengers stood up and created a physical barrier between Marsh and the victim.’’

People on the aircraft reported that passengers applauded as Marsh was arrested by police who came aboard after it landed in Christchurch.

During an interviewed with police, Marsh said, ‘‘Yeah, certainly I spat in her face.’’

Judge Brian Callaghan said Marsh ’’obviously has some issue with alcohol’’.

He said it was ‘‘serious offending of its type – not only for the victim but for all the people on the flight’’.

Defence counsel Rachel Wood said Marsh had an appointment about admission to a rehabilitation programme.

Wood said Marsh wanted to be sentenced straight away but the judge said he wanted to get a presentence report ahead of the sentencing set for August 28.

He asked for the case to be referred for a possible restorative justice meeting where Marsh would meet the flight attendant and have a chance to apologise.

Marsh remains on bail.