A 36-year-old man was today given a three-month sentence after an air rage incident that led to an unscheduled stop at Shannon Airport yesterday.
Peter Genovezos (36), a Greek-born restaurateur living in New York, became disruptive two hours into a Delta Airlines flight from New York to Athens.
A US federal air marshal restrained him after he began shouting racist and homophobic language at passengers aboard the flight. He also assaulted one of the passengers.
The captain of the plane diverted to Shannon and landed at 5 a.m. yesterday where Genovezos was arrested by gardai.
He appeared before a special sitting of Galway District Court today where he pleaded guilty to three charges.
Federal Air Marshall, Mark Bailer, told the court that the defendant's behaviour had caused upset and fear to some passengers including children. The plane's captain James Angarella, was twice called to ask the Genovezos to calm down.
The court heard he decided to divert to Shannon after Genovezos threatened him with violence.
On learning of the diversion Genovezos became more aggressive and struck a passenger in the face. Air Marshall Bailer then stepped in and handcuffed the man for the rest of the flight to Shannon.
He was arrested by officers from Shannon Garda Station and charged with being drunk to to the extent he could endanger passengers; abusive and insulting behaviour and behaviour likely to cause annoyance to passengers and crew, contrary to the Air Navigation and Transport Act, 1998.
Defence solicitor, Ms Caitriona Carmody, told the court her client, had consumed an excessive amount of alcohol before boarding the flight to Athens for a family reunion.
Genovezos pleaded guilty on three counts.
Judge Conal Gibbons said the offences were very serious and sentenced him to three months in prison and fined him €300. He also granted leave to appeal.