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 a cabin crew member and assaulting her. Police spoke to a cabin crew manager at 4.40am after landing. The manager reported that Sheppard had been disruptive, used swearing and insulting language, and acted 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 at her.

A passenger offered to restrain Sheppard during the incident. Sheppard told police he drank a couple of measures before boarding and used a hip flask onboard. He has no criminal record but received a caution previously for resisting police.

District Judge Nigel Broderick noted a letter from the principal of Royal Belfast Academical Institution, where Sheppard teaches. The judge described the incident as serious in the confined space of a plane.

The judge ordered Sheppard to complete 120 hours of community service as an alternative to jail. He also imposed a £500 fine and £500 compensation to the cabin crew member.