Drunken airplane passenger triggered chaos at 35,000 toes in foul ‘I want a hug’ rant

A drunken passenger created a scene of “fear and discomfort” at 35,000 feet by yelling and cursing during a flight from Spain to Newcastle.

April Wilson was visibly upset when she boarded the Jet2 flight in Alicante with 187 other passengers and the cabin crew. Despite numerous attempts to placate her, Wilson continued her tirade, including hurling abuse at two female cabin crew members.

The 58-year-old resident of Front Street, Houghton-le-Spring, has now been handed a suspended prison sentence by Newcastle Crown Court. The court was informed that upon boarding the flight, which departed Spain for Newcastle Airport at 11.25am on November 19 last year, the cabin crew noticed her distress and enquired about her wellbeing.

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Her anger seemed primarily directed towards someone who appeared to be her partner, the court was told. During the flight, several passengers lodged complaints about her behaviour, stating she was intoxicated and persistently swearing. A staff member heard her repeatedly uttering “f***” and despite being asked to stop, she failed to comply, reports Chronicle Live.

As a female cabin crew member walked away, Wilson, slurring her words, retorted: “f*** her” and when instructed again to cease swearing, responded: “What the f*** are you going to do you silly little cow.”

The flight manager attempted to soothe her, but Wilson referred to an individual, seemingly her partner, accusing him of taunting her. Visibly distressed, she exclaimed: “You don’t f***ing understand, I need a hug” and tried to embrace the flight manager.

Despite being offered a coffee by the manager, Wilson continued her tirade of expletives. As the plane prepared to land in Newcastle, she unbuckled her seatbelt and attempted to leave her seat.

Several passengers lodged complaints about her behaviour, with two individuals seated near her relocated to other seats early into the flight.

Upon disembarking at Newcastle Airport, Wilson was taken into custody. She admitted to consuming vodka the previous night and two small bottles of wine during the flight.

The court was informed that Wilson is seeking help for her alcohol problems, and Katie Spence, defending, added: “This was entirely out of character for her. Unfortunately the people who felt her wrath were the flight attendants who didn’t deserve this to be treated as they were.”

Wilson, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft and was sentenced to six months, suspended for 18 months.

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