Drunken finance worker on champagne binge avoids jail after abusing staff and passengers on board Gatwick flight

A finance worker who got drunk and abused staff onvboard a flight from Mallorca to Gatwick has been spared prison.

Harrison Tilson, 33, from Old Town in Lambeth, was found guilty at Crawley Magistrates’ Court of assault by beating and being drunk on board an aircraft.

The incident, which occurred on May 15, 2023, saw Tilson verbally abuse fellow passengers and crew before assaulting a cabin crew member.

Tilson’s behaviour was fuelled by excessive alcohol consumption.

Sussex Police claimed that the 33-year-old had three glasses of champagne in the airport lounge before boarding.

He then proceeded to drink three more glasses of red wine on the flight.

From the outset, Tilson’s conduct was described as rude and abusive, with him swearing at fellow passengers and crew.

Upon landing, he ignored instructions to remain seated and used the toilet while the plane was taxiing.

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The situation escalated when Tilson confronted a passenger and, in attempting to strike them, hit a cabin crew worker who intervened.

This assault resulted in the crew member taking significant time off work to recover.

Tilson received a two-year community order, requiring him to complete 250 hours of unpaid work.

He must also attend 10 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) sessions.

Tilson was ordered to pay £1,800 in compensation to the assaulted cabin crew worker.

He was also required to cover court costs of £1,500.

Sussex Police issued a stern warning about alcohol consumption on flights.

Detective Sergeant Ian Warncken from Gatwick CID emphasised the heightened impact of alcohol at higher altitudes and reduced air pressure.

“Tilson’s behaviour was appalling,” said Det Sgt Warncken. “No cabin crew worker should have to accept being abused and assaulted as simply part of the job.”

The police reiterated their commitment to prosecuting those who break the law on aircraft.

Det Sgt Warncken added: “For Tilson, this has proved to be an expensive case.

“It should act as a warning to all passengers about the risks of consuming alcohol before boarding a flight or while on board.”