Fireman ‘appalled’ by air rage abuse

A CHICAGO firefighter flying to Ireland to spend Christmas with his wife and two young children shouted foul abuse and sexual remarks before assaulting a steward during a nightmare transatlantic flight.

John Tutor, 37, who had been drinking ahead of Sunday’s early morning flight from his home city, was “appalled and ashamed” after hearing evidence of his air rage.

He pleaded guilty, at Dublin District Court yesterday, to assault and to causing a disturbance on an aircraft.

Mr Tutor’s solicitor said his client was “very, very ashamed and very, very appalled” by his behaviour, particularly given the events of last year, a reference to the aftermath of September 11 and the increased fears of airline passengers The court heard the plane’s pilot contemplated an emergency landing but a passenger and two crew managed to restrain Tutor, handcuffing him to his seat. But he continued shouting abuse for six-and-a-half hours until the plane landed in Dublin. A half hour into the flight, the defendant began shouting and became abusive.

Garda Noel Donnelly told the court Tutor was cautioned several times but continued shouting, making sexual remarks and other foul language. When he began to push the seat in front, steward Gabriel Kenny stepped forward and Tutor punched him, although he made little contact.

It was then a passenger and two crew went to restrain him. Garda Donnelly said the pilot considered landing in a Canadian air base but decided to continue on to Ireland because the passenger was restrained. Tutor’s solicitor said his client had finished a 24-hour double shift prior to his departure. He was a nervous flier and had a few drinks before boarding. Because of a lack of sleep, coupled with the drinks, was cited as the reason for his “appalling” behaviour. Tutor is due to appear in court again today for sentencing