Jet2 passengers applaud armed police as ‘drunk’ businessman hauled off flight after calling stewardess a ‘d**khead’ during rampage

A “drunk” businessman sparked chaos on a Jet2 flight after embarking on a booze-fuelled rampage and verbally abusing cabin crew, a court has heard.

Lewis Howarth, 36, who runs a building company, had to be dragged off his aircraft to passengers’ applause after calling a stewardess a “d**khead” when asked to fasten his seatbelt.

The father-of-two from Bolton, Greater Manchester, became aggressive on the aircraft which was forced to return to the gate while still on the runway.

The incident, aboard a flight from Manchester to Dalaman in Turkey, has seen Howarth banned from Jet2 for life – and facing up to two years in jail.

Prosecutor Gareth Hughes told the court that Howarth had been drinking heavily in the departure lounge before boarding the delayed flight to Turkey.

The stewardess noticed his seatbelt was unfastened and approached him, but Howarth was unable to secure it due to his intoxicated state.

“He was slurring his words and swearing, he had dilated pupils and his coordination was very poor and he was unable to put a seat belt on,” Hughes said.

After the crew member informed the captain, Howarth became more aggressive.

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He stood up from his seat and called her a “d**khead” before getting in her face, prompting the captain to return to the gate.

The flight had already been delayed by 90 minutes before the incident occurred.

Armed police boarded the aircraft to cheers from other passengers, where they found the 36-year-old stumbling around at the back of the plane.

When officers attempted to escort him away, Howarth shouted “F**k off you pr**k” and had to be restrained, the court was told.

Officers were forced to carry him horizontally after he attempted to headbutt seated passengers while being removed.

Once on the air bridge, Howarth threatened to bite a police officer, attempting to sink his teeth into the officer’s hand.

He also managed to kick another officer in the mouth, causing temporary pain but no serious injury.

The officer responded by striking Howarth in the stomach to stop the assault.

During a hearing at Tameside Magistrates’ Court, Howarth pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft, common assault of an emergency worker and assault by beating.

The case has been referred to a crown court for sentencing next month after magistrates deemed their powers insufficient.

But Howarth appeared to make light of the incident, flying to Turkey the next day with a different airline and posting on Facebook: “Right, let’s try this again. Just a coke this time.”

A Jet2 spokesman said: “As a family-friendly airline, we take a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive passenger behavior, and we can confirm that Mr Howarth has been banned from flying with us for life.”

From the dock, Howarth told the court: “It won’t be happening again. I do not even drink anymore.”