A Groote Eylandt man who unleashed a violent rampage during a flight from Cairns to Groote Eylandt in April 2023 has been handed a 16-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to a series of charges. The incident resulted in over $7000 worth of damage to the aircraft and left passengers and airline staff traumatised.
The 24-year-old man, whose identity has not been disclosed, admitted his guilt in the Darwin Local Court on Thursday, September 21, 2023. The charges against him were related to a harrowing flight experience that unfolded on April 20, 2023.
During the Cairns to Groote Eylandt flight, the man’s behaviour took a violent and chaotic turn. Witnesses reported that he became aggressive towards fellow passengers and airline staff, creating an atmosphere of fear and chaos on board. Matters escalated when he physically assaulted other passengers and caused significant damage to the aircraft.
Airline staff attempted to regain control of the situation, but the man adamantly refused to follow their instructions. His actions prompted an emergency response from the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
The Groote Eylandt man was promptly arrested and charged with multiple offences, including disorderly behavior and contravening a domestic violence order. The AFP took the matter seriously and charged him with endangering the safety of an aircraft, committing affray on an aircraft, and assault, highlighting the gravity of his actions.
AFP Superintendent Greg Davis emphasised that disruptive and violent behaviour on aircraft or within airport premises would not be tolerated. He stated, “Police and airline workers are there to ensure the safety of passengers, and it’s important for the public to treat everyone at the airport and onboard aircraft with respect. Anyone choosing to behave poorly on an aircraft will be dealt with accordingly.”
In the Darwin Local Court, the man pleaded guilty to the following charges:
– Endangering the safety of an aircraft, in violation of section 22(1) of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth).
– Committing certain offences on an aircraft (affray), as per section 15(1) of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth).
– Committing certain offences on an aircraft (assault occasioning bodily harm – aggravated offence), under section 15(1) of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth).
– Contravention of a domestic violence order, in contravention of section 120(1) of the Domestic and Family Violence Act 2007 (NT).
– Offensive conduct, against section 47(a) of the Summary Offences Act 1923 (NT).
