A businessman who was married attempted to kiss a British Airways flight attendant and made threats to harm the cabin crew in a disturbing incident during a ten-hour flight with his wife, the court has been informed.
Philip Gould, aged 64, consumed vodka and wine on a British Airways flight from the Bahamas to London Heathrow on June 25 last year. He proceeded to physically assault his wife Jurkea and verbally abuse the cabin crew after being denied further alcohol on the plane. Gould even made inappropriate advances towards a male flight attendant by suggesting a sexual act in the restroom.
Displaying aggressive behavior, Gould used foul language towards the cabin crew and made threatening gestures towards the cockpit door, directing his anger at the captain. He later pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault, behaving in a manner endangering an aircraft, and being intoxicated on an aircraft.
The sentencing for Gould has been postponed by Judge Fiona Barrie until next month, cautioning him that he could face imprisonment for his actions. She emphasized the seriousness of drunk behavior on an aircraft and the high likelihood of a prison sentence in this case.
According to the prosecution by Ashleigh Ettienne, Gould’s disruptive behavior began three hours into the flight when he appeared intoxicated. He proceeded to bang on the cockpit door, shout at the cabin crew, the captain, and other passengers, prompting concerns about safety.
The situation escalated when Gould physically pushed a cabin crew member, causing a disruptive commotion that alarmed the staff and passengers. Despite attempts by the cabin crew to calm him down, Gould continued to be aggressive, threatening the safety of everyone onboard.
In a distressing turn of events, Gould verbally abused his wife, physically assaulted her, and made inappropriate advances towards a female air hostess. His behavior became increasingly alarming, leading to his eventual arrest upon landing at Heathrow.
Gould attributed his actions to a combination of alcohol, specifically wine and vodka, claiming it had a severe impact on his behavior. His defense lawyer, Manny Arora, mentioned that Gould suffers from PTSD and expressed his remorse for the incident.
Gould, a resident of Woking, Surrey, admitted to charges of being intoxicated on an aircraft, sexual assault on a male, two counts of assault by beating, and recklessly acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft. He was released on unconditional bail pending sentencing scheduled for February 11.