The British passenger alleged assaulted the victim and was arrested and charged with dangerous bodily harm and disturbing the peace after the pilot made the emergency landing in Greece
The plane was travelling from Manchester Airport to Turkey (Image: Manchester Airport)
A plane headed to a holiday hotspot in Turkey had to make an emergency landing after a British man allegedly punched a another passenger.
The flight from Manchester Airport was on its way to Antalya when the pilot made the decision to make an impromptu stop in Thessaloniki, Greece, on Monday (September 1).
According to reports, a 35-year-old British man is alleged to have punched a 41-year-old Turkish passenger during the flight.
It is not known how the incident began, but the captain made an emergency landing at the Thessaloniki Airport at about 11pm local time, according to local media.
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The British passenger was arrested following the emergency landing, reports Greek outlet Ekathimerini. The victim was examined by a doctor at the airport before he continued onward to Antalya, according to the Mirror.
The British passenger was due to appear before a prosecutor on Tuesday and faced the possibility of being charged with dangerous interference with transportation, bodily harm, disobedience and disturbing the peace, reports the outlet.
According to Ekathimerini, he was convicted at a Thessaloniki court over the alleged assault and was handed a 15-month prison sentence. But he was allowed to “buy off” his sentence at a rate of €10 (£8.67) per day.
They would be expected to pay an estimated €4,570 (£3,959) to cover the 15-month sentence. He was reportedly found guilty of dangerous bodily harm and disturbing the peace on the flight but was acquitted of the charge of disobedience.
The sentence was suspended pending an appeal and he was released. Reports said the British man had denied punching the passenger, claiming he pushed him after he felt a “shake” as he tried to recline in his seat.
He reportedly told the court: “I didn’t do anything violent.” He allegedly admitted to drinking a small amount of alcohol and cabin crew members said he had drunk two cans of beer.