Pilot to face drink-flying charge in US

A Virgin Atlantic pilot accused of attempting to fly a passenger jet while under the influence of alcohol is due to appear in court in the US today.

Captain Richard Harwell had been due to fly 383 passengers and 17 crew from Washington Dulles airport to Heathrow. He was arrested on December 19.

He faces up to five years in jail if convicted by the Virginia court.

Capt Harwell was released from jail after paying bail but ordered to stay in the US until the trial.

Capt Harwell, who was escorted off the plane after staff allegedly smelled alcohol on his breath, was charged with attempting to operate an aircraft while under the influence of alcohol.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesman said at the time that everyone at the firm was “shocked and saddened” by the incident.