A financial worker from Lambeth has been convicted following an incident of drunken, abusive behavior on board a flight from Spain to the UK. Harrison Tilson, 33, displayed aggressive conduct, verbally and physically assaulting passengers and crew during the journey from Palma, Mallorca, to London Gatwick, after consuming multiple glasses of Champagne and red wine.
Tilson, who had attended a triathlon event on the island, started his journey with three glasses of Champagne in the airport lounge. Once on board, he continued drinking, consuming three additional glasses of red wine. As he became more intoxicated, Tilson’s behavior escalated, spilling alcohol on a fellow passenger and disregarding instructions from the cabin crew. The situation worsened when he threatened another passenger, prompting a cabin crew member to intervene. In response, Tilson struck the crew member, who later required a significant recovery period from work due to the assault.
One passenger described Tilson’s behavior as a “disgrace,” and crew members reported that he ignored repeated instructions, including leaving his seat to go to the toilet while the aircraft was still taxiing upon landing.
Sussex Police, sharing details of Tilson’s conviction, emphasized the serious nature of intoxicated behavior on aircraft. PC Sam Fee from Gatwick CID commented, “It is an offence to get on board an aircraft while drunk. This case demonstrates the impact alcohol can have on your body. The impact increases when you are in the air, flying at a higher altitude and with reduced air pressure.”
PC Fee further condemned Tilson’s conduct, saying, “Tilson’s behaviour was appalling. No cabin crew worker should have to accept being abused and assaulted as simply part of the job. That is why we are determined to pursue prosecutions against those who break the law on board aircraft.”
On October 18, Lewes Crown Court sentenced Tilson to a two-year community order. He must complete 250 hours of unpaid work, attend ten rehabilitation activity requirement sessions, and pay £1,800 in compensation to the assaulted cabin crew member, alongside £1,500 in court costs. The conviction is intended to serve as a cautionary tale for passengers about the risks of consuming alcohol before or during flights.
