An easyJet flight from Turkey has been disrupted after a drunken mother and son duo abused cabin crew.
Benjamin Lynch, 29, and Patricia Lynch, 59, from Pope Lane in Ribbleton, pleaded guilty to being drunk on board an aircraft under the Air Navigation Order after returning to the UK from Antalya.
The son, who has a history of 14 previous convictions for 23 offences, was sentenced to four months in jail.
Patricia with no prior convictions, received a two-month suspended sentence and must complete 80 hours of unpaid work.
The pair were onboard an easyJet flight from Antalya to the UK
PA
The incident, which occurred in May last year, resulted in 179 passengers being left “terrified”.
The 29-year-old was involved in an altercation after stumbling into another passenger after the plane landed.
Patricia told police to “f**k off” as officers attempted to arrest her son, leading to her own arrest.
Judge Jonathan Seely said Benjamin displayed “gross selfishness and a complete lack of respect”.
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The son was involved in an altercation after stumbling into another passenger after the plane landed
PA
He said: “The behaviour was started by you, Benjamin Lynch, and went on for a very long time. You behaviour was disgraceful – totally selfish.
“You should not get on an aeroplane as an adult if you cannot control your drinking or your behaviour. Those who become drunk on an aircraft whilst in flight must expect a custodial sentence.
“A lot of people on that flight were probably terrified of flying. Then when someone kicks off like you did – why should they have to suffer your abuse?”
Judge Seely also lamented Patricia’s “disgraceful” behaviour but stressed it was much less serious than that of her son.
The incident caused disruption to an easyJet flight
PA
James Hudson, prosecuting, claimed Benjamin’s behaviour became rash midway through the flight.
He was first spotted standing at the back of the plane speaking loudly and swearing.
The 29-year-old also threatened to “chin” a member of cabin crew and Patricia drunkenly pleaded with officers her son had done nothing wrong.
Judge Seely concluded: “People have to be responsible for their own actions, and alcohol is no excuse. It is about other people. Children were affected.”
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