ANDREW TOSH FROM DUNDEE JAILED AFTER TURKISH FLIGHT DISRUPTION
A man from Dundee, identified as Andrew Tosh, has been sentenced to a total of nine months in prison following a series of disturbing incidents aboard a flight from Glasgow to Dalaman, Turkey.The incident occurred on May 6th, when Tosh, who was heavily intoxicated, engaged in inappropriate and criminal behavior that ultimately led to the diversion of the aircraft.
During the flight operated by Thomas Cook Airlines, Tosh's drunken state escalated into a sexual assault against a female passenger.
The severity of his actions prompted the flight crew to take immediate action, and the aircraft was diverted to Gatwick Airport so that law enforcement could intervene.
Upon landing, police removed Tosh from the aircraft, and he was subsequently taken into custody.
At Lewes Crown Court, Tosh, aged 34, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including sexual assault, threatening and abusive behavior, assault, and being intoxicated on an aircraft.
The court heard that cabin crew members, overwhelmed by Tosh's unruly conduct, had to request assistance from fellow passengers to help restrain him when his behavior became uncontrollable.
The court handed down a series of concurrent sentences: nine months for the sexual assault, two months for threatening and abusive conduct, four months for assault by beating, and six months for being drunk on the aircraft.
These sentences will be served simultaneously, meaning Tosh will serve the combined time in one continuous term.
A spokesperson for Thomas Cook Airlines expressed their stance on such incidents, stating, "For the benefit of our customers' and employees' comfort and safety, we have a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive behavior on our flights, and fortunately, incidents as serious as this are very rare." The airline also noted that their current booking systems do not allow for the permanent banning of disruptive passengers but confirmed that they cooperated fully with Sussex Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure justice was served.
They added that they hope the victims involved are satisfied with the outcome of the case.
