Jailed for causing flight to divert to Shannon

A man has been jailed for three months arising from an air-rage incident on a return flight from his wedding celebrations in Mexico.

On Tuesday, a Manchester-bound flight from Cancun was diverted to Shannon airport after company director Scott Watson (33), Tinwhistle, Floest, Derbyshire, engaged in threatening and abusive behaviour on the flight.

After being arrested at Shannon, Watson was taken to Athenry District Court on Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to three related air rage offences.

He was refused bail and remanded in custody to reappear before Shannon District Court to allow gardaí to ascertain if he had any previous convictions.

Yesterday Judge Joseph Mangan jailed Watson for three months after hearing that the father of two had seven previous convictions in Britain.

Insp Tom Kennedy told the court that it cost the travel firm, Thomas Cook, £9,000 to divert the aircraft to Shannon.

Watson's solicitor Rachel Dobson said her client acknowledged his blatant disregard for passengers, the cabin crew and the captain on board the flight and that his actions had brought a lot of shame and embarrassment to his family. He had travelled to Cancun to get married accompanied by his family, including his two children, aged 10 and seven. He had worked for his father's building company for the past 15 years and had contributed to the expansion of the company.

Ms Dobson said Watson was a hard worker, but had a difficult relationship with drink. His parents had travelled to court and were willing to give him a substantial loan to cover the cost of the aircraft diverting to Shannon.

Ms Dobson said that as a result of Watson's actions on the aircraft, he has been in the full glare of publicity. "You won't find him before the courts again."

The court was told that Watson's most recent conviction was in Britain last month when he was ordered to do 60 hours of community service and was fined £60 in relation to engaging in threatening behaviour.

The court was also told that he was sentenced to 14 days in jail in 2000 after being found guilty of driving while disqualified and he was fined £300 for handling stolen goods in September 2000.

Judge Mangan jailed Watson for three months and fined him €500. In the event of an appeal, the judge set recognisance at Watson's own bond of €6,000, an independent surety of €6,000 and cash of €6,000.