Peter Sheppard, 49, from Whinfield in Larne, pleaded guilty at Antrim Magistrates Court in Ballymena to being drunk on an aircraft. The court sat on February 3. He also admitted disorderly behaviour and assaulting a female cabin crew member on an easyJet flight.

The flight travelled from Hurghada in Egypt to Belfast International Airport on April 20 of the previous year. Police spoke to a cabin crew manager at 4.40am after landing. The manager reported Sheppard had been disruptive, swearing, using insulting language and acting disorderly throughout the flight.

Sheppard stood over the crew member in an intimidating manner. 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 Sheppard during the incident. Sheppard told police he drank 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 apart from a caution for resisting police.

District Judge Nigel Broderick noted the principal of the school sent a letter. A defence barrister stated Sheppard regrets the poor behaviour, which occurred because he dislikes flying and drank excessively. The judge described the plane as a confined space where passengers cannot escape threats.

Broderick called the matter serious but largely out of character for someone in Sheppard's position. He imposed 120 hours of community service as an alternative to jail, a £500 fine and £500 compensation to the crew member.