Drunken passenger attacks off-duty cops on Gatwick flight
A 36-year-old man sparked chaos on a Tenerife-to-Gatwick flight after getting blind drunk and attacking off-duty police officers on board.
Drinks downed before takeoff
Edgars Emsins bought a large bottle of rum at Tenerife airport before boarding with his family on March 14. His drinking quickly turned into aggressive, abusive behaviour aimed at his relatives and the flight crew.
Off-duty cops step in – and get headbutted
Three off-duty police officers came to calm Emsins down. But he tried to headbutt them mid-flight. The violent scene forced the crew to restrain him until the plane landed at Gatwick’s North Terminal, where he was promptly arrested.
Quick court action and firm sentence
On March 15, Emsins pleaded guilty to three counts of assault by beating and being drunk on an aircraft. He received a 16-week suspended prison sentence, £85 costs, and a £154 victim surcharge.
Police warn: don’t drink and fly
“Cabin crew and passengers shouldn’t have to put up with this sort of behaviour,” said Detective Sergeant Ian Warncken from Gatwick CID. “The professionalism of the off-duty officers was key to restraining the suspect and ensuring swift justice.”
The case is a stern reminder that tumbling glass bottles are no excuse for violence on board – and authorities will crack down hard on drunken passengers causing trouble.
