Flight-attendant pleads guilty after drinking on the job
A Ryanair flight crew member who pleaded guilty to downing whiskey and wine from the drinks trolley mid-flight claims: “I am not a criminal.”
Sam Thompson, aged 26, was reportedly seen “necking the whole bottle” of wine while on board the flight from Rzeszow, Poland, to Stansted, UK.
The British cabin crew member was filmed by a horrified passenger during the act and was subsequently arrested after the plane landed.
He was breathalysed and found to have 50mg per 100 millilitres of breath.
Footage from the flight showed Thompson in his uniform, sitting near the exit door as he apparently tries to discreetly drink rosé.
In another clip, he turns away and appears to knock back a shot of whiskey.
After sinking it, he says, “Don’t make it obvious,” as he appears to try to hide his drinking from other staff.
Michael Carroll, his defending lawyer, said Thompson and alcohol are “not the best of friends”. He said it was a “great pity” the sentencing could not conclude as planned – but said he has “glowing references” to show the judge.
Mr Cranmer extended Thompson’s unconditional bail but reminded him he must be at court for sentencing and not commit further offences in the meantime. Ryanair crew are not allowed to drink alcohol up to eight hours before, or during, a flight.
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