A 59-year-old hairdresser and mother-of-two has been sentenced to prison after a shocking incident aboard a flight from Miami to London Heathrow, where she repeatedly attacked her partner and distressed fellow passengers.
Chaos at 30,000 Feet
The incident occurred on February 9 during a nine-hour flight.
According to the court, the woman, identified as Baker, had consumed 16 cans of wine during the journey.
Her behaviour quickly escalated from loud, slurred conversation to violent actions.
She punched, elbowed, and even attempted to headbutt her partner, Steven White, while other passengers watched in fear.
Prosecutor Thomas Blackburn told the court that Baker became aggressive after trying to engage fellow passengers, yelling obscenities when they didn’t respond.
Cabin crew attempted to calm her, but she continued shouting and insulting passengers, leaving some “seriously distressed.”
Distressing Experiences for Fellow Travelers
One passenger, Jodie Tristram, shared her experience in a victim impact statement.
She had flown to Miami to celebrate her 30th birthday but described enduring Baker’s “drunk and abusive” behaviour on the return flight.
Tristram said she felt terrified and anxious, requiring medication to manage the stress caused by the incident.
She admitted the trauma had made her reluctant to fly again.
Court Hears Both Sides
Baker admitted being drunk on an aircraft, racially aggravated harassment, and using threatening or abusive words but denied assault.
A short trial, however, led to her conviction for assault by beating.
In her defence, Baker’s lawyer explained that the conflict began after disputes with her partner’s father, who had allegedly spilled a drink on her.
Baker was reportedly taking prescribed Prozac for depression and anxiety, and the long flight compounded her stress.
Her defence emphasised her remorse, previous good character, and the support of family, friends, and even a neighbour who submitted character references.
Judge Highlights Severity
Judge Sunaina Kaur Srai-Chohan emphasised the dangers posed by Baker’s behaviour.
“This was a prolonged, abusive and violent display of behaviour within the confines of an aeroplane, putting you, the other passengers and the cabin crew at risk,” the judge said.
She noted the deliberate consumption of a large quantity of alcohol and the need for a custodial sentence to deter similar conduct.
Baker was sentenced to prison and ordered to pay £500 in court costs.
The judge stressed that incidents like these endanger public safety and that only a prison term could reflect the seriousness of the offence.
A Family and Community in Shock
Baker’s family and friends have expressed concern for her well-being, particularly regarding her responsibilities as a carer for her mother.
Her case has attracted widespread media attention, with many commenting on the dramatic and frightening nature of the flight incident.
The sentence serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by intoxicated passengers on flights and the importance of maintaining safety at 30,000 feet.