Air passengers land in court

A wealthy Irish businessman who usually flies by private jet spent Wednesday night in a Scottish police cell after trying to …

A wealthy Irish businessman who usually flies by private jet spent Wednesday night in a Scottish police cell after trying to trick Ryanair into allowing him to travel.

Mr Niall Mellon (35), was refused permission to board a flight to Dublin from Glasgow Prestwick when he failed to produce photographic ID.

Desperate to get back to Dublin for a charity dinner, he turned to his financial adviser Mr John Fitzgerald, who had a boarding pass.

Mr Fitzgerald (38), went back to the check-in desk and bought another ticket in his own name. He handed the boarding pass to Mr Mellon and they both then entered the departure lounge.

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However, the check-in attendant realised something was wrong and alerted security. Police arrived shortly afterwards and the two men were arrested and charged.

Both men appeared yesterday at Ayr Sheriff Court.

Mr Mellon, of Clonskeagh, Dublin, admitted being in a restricted zone without lawful authority.

Mr Fitzgerald, of Stonyford, Co Kilkenny, pleaded guilty to aiding Mellon.

The Sheriff, Mr Colin Miller, said: "Considering the current unpleasantness in the Gulf, your actions in an airport, where security is important, was of a serious nature."

Depute Fiscal, Ms Nancy Beresford, told the court: "After being told he wasn't getting on the flight, Mr Mellon went over to the airline's sales desk.

"He was told again it wasn't possible for him to travel and it was then his friend went back to the original check-in desk and bought another ticket in his name.

Solicitor Mr Peter Lockhart said both men were extremely embarrassed to be in court. "Mr Mellon is a major property developer who was working in Glasgow on two projects worth £75 million.

"He also has other business interests worth at least another £75 million and has created over 2,500 jobs in this country."

Mr Lockhart said the men would need seven days to pay any fine as they only had £68 between them.

Sheriff Miller fined both men £500 and gave them seven days to pay.