Drunk passenger sparks security alert

A DRUNK airline passenger who disembarked a plane at Shetland’s Sumburgh airport and then headed across the runway, was fined at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

Ian Flaws, of 16 Hestingott, Virkie, pled guilty to breaching the Aviation Security Act on 29 November last year by entering a restricted zone.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the 32 year old had followed the other passengers down the steps off the plane, only to turn in the opposite direction and head for the runway.

It was only when a fire engine raced after him and blocked his way that he turned towards the airport terminal.

Mr Mackenzie said: “The reason for his behaviour was consuming too much alcohol before boarding the flight in Kirkwall, which raises the question of how he got on the flight in the first place.

“It was an act of incredible arrogance and stupidity and had it happened at a larger airport on the mainland the response could have been much more significant than it was here.”

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Fining him £335, Sheriff Derek Livingston said Flaws behaviour was “unacceptable” during an age when security has become so important.

Kirkwall airport manager David Blackman said he was very surprised to hear that someone had managed to board a plane while drunk without being detected.

“We have café staff who keep an eye out for this and we have an information desk by departure and security are very hot on this sort of thing. I can only assume he was very adept at disguising the fact,” Mr Blackman said.