A young Australian man has been charged after allegedly assaulting a passenger and cabin crew member on an international flight from Phuket to Melbourne.
The 21-year-old allegedly grabbed the shoulders of a female crew member and shook her after she refused his request to hug him on board the April 1 flight.
Police allege the man then walked to the rear of the plane and attacked another passenger as he exited a toilet cubicle, punching the man several times in the face.
The 21-year-old was restrained by cabin crew until Australian Federal Police officers reached the arrivals gate.
The Australian man allegedly assaulted a female cabin crew member before punching a male passenger. Australian Federal Police Footage released by the AFP shows the man being escorted from the plane by several officers.
He was charged with one count each of assaulting crew of an aircraft and common assault.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 and two years’ jail respectively.
The 21-year-old was restrained by crew on the flight before being escorted off the plane by police officers. Australian Federal Police The 21-year-old is due to appear in Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on Monday.
“The AFP has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to the (alleged) assault or mistreatment of passengers or cabin crew, and anyone who commits such an offense can expect to be prosecuted,” he said.
