Peter Sheppard, 49, from Whinfield in Larne, pleaded guilty at Antrim Magistrates Court in Ballymena to being drunk on an aircraft. The charges related to an easyJet flight from Hurghada in Egypt to Belfast International Airport on April 20 of last year.

Sheppard also admitted disorderly behaviour toward crew and assaulting a female cabin crew member. Police spoke to a cabin crew manager at 4.40am after landing. The manager reported that Sheppard had been disruptive, swearing, using insulting language and acting in a disorderly manner throughout the flight.

The crew member stated that Sheppard stood over her in an intimidating way. She told him his behaviour was not normal. He then pressed his forehead against the right side of her face while shouting abuse. A passenger offered to restrain him.

In interview, Sheppard said he had a couple of drinks before boarding and consumed more from a hip flask onboard. He works as a teacher at Royal Belfast Academical Institution and has no prior record but received a caution for resisting police.

District Judge Nigel Broderick noted the incident occurred in a confined space where passengers cannot easily escape threats. The judge called it a serious matter and ordered 120 hours of community service as an alternative to jail. Sheppard must also pay a £500 fine and £500 compensation to the crew member.