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 last year.

Sheppard also admitted disorderly behaviour towards 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 acted disruptively, using swearing and insulting language throughout the flight.

The crew member stated that Sheppard stood over her 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 used 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 confined space of a plane and the potential nervousness of passengers. The judge called the matter serious but largely out of character for someone in Sheppard's position.

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