Emergency exit airline steward to be mentally evaluated

A FORMER JetBlue flight attendant accused of cursing at a passenger before sliding down an emergency exit chute will be mentally evaluated for a possible plea deal.

Steven Slater appeared yesterday in a New York City courtroom for a brief hearing on criminal mischief charges.

Attorneys on both sides said a deal was being discussed. Slater will be evaluated and might qualify for an alternative sentencing programme, which means he could face community service instead of jail.