Low Level Fine Received for Being Drunk on an Aircraft

Case study summary

Our client was charged with recklessly endangering others on an aircraft whilst intoxicated. He accepted the allegation. We ensured that our client's mitigating factors were highlighted to the court, and this resulted in a low level fine being issued.

Case study

Our client was charged with recklessly or negligently endangering a person or property on an aircraft. The particular allegation was that he was acting in an aggressive manner on an aircraft due to being intoxicated. After being charged, our client came to us for representation.

To prepare for our client's first appearance hearing in the Magistrates' Court, we worked with him to gather as much information about his background as possible. This included having detailed conversations and gathering his medical records. Our client suffered a brain trauma some years ago and was in a coma which had left him vulnerable and not being in full control of his actions.

In relation to the offence, our client explained to us that, while he was drunk, he did not believe that he was acting aggressively. However, he could understand that his behaviour may have been perceived that way because of the way his brain injury causes him to act, and the heightened anxiety he would have felt. We advised our client on the strength of the case and potential sentence. He ultimately decided to plead guilty.

Our client was represented at court by one of our expert solicitors, who highlighted to the court his relevant medical history, how his brain injury can affect his behaviour, and that he was a man of good character. Because of the mitigation put forward, and despite the fact that an unlimited fine could have been ordered, the court decided to only issue a low level fine. Our client was grateful that this was the outcome and that the incident could now be put behind him.