Wearing a top bearing the logo Angerfist, the 34-year-old was on a flight from Dublin to Amsterdam
Ryanair has urged plane passengers to stop packing the item (stock image)(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A Ryanair flight from Dublin to Amsterdam was forced to abort its take-off after a Belfast man allegedly attacked a member of cabin crew.
Christopher Tinsley, of Shankill Road, Belfast, appeared before Judge John Hughes at Dublin District Court on Saturday.
Wearing a top bearing the logo of hardcore techno act Angerfist, he faces a charge of assault causing harm to a male attendant on Friday’s scheduled 6.25pm flight.
The 34-year-old also faces two further charges under the Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act, 1998, relating to onboard disruption.
The charges allege he was intoxicated to such a degree as to give rise to a reasonable apprehension that he was likely to endanger the safety of himself or the safety of others on the aircraft, and that he engaged in behaviour of a threatening, abusive or insulting nature, reports the Irish Mirror.
Garda Ahmed Bilal told the court that the incident took place while the aircraft was taxiing and “about to take-off”.
He alleged that Mr Tinsley became disruptive, prompting the pilot to turn the aircraft back from the runway.
The departure was consequently delayed by approximately two hours.
Garda Bilal objected to bail on the grounds of flight risk, given that the accused resides outside the jurisdiction. The Ballymun-based officer informed the court that the victim sustained a “visible injury” to his face and had provided a formal witness statement. Defence barrister Kevin McCrave argued for bail, explaining that his client works as a self-employed painter, is presumed innocent, and would comply with any necessary conditions to satisfy the court’s concerns.
Mr Tinsley remained silent throughout proceedings, speaking only to confirm his instructions to his legal representative.
Judge Hughes granted the application but imposed stringent conditions. Mr Tinsley must lodge €500 of a €1,000 bond and provide an independent surety of €1,000, with half required to be lodged in cash.
As part of his bail terms, the accused must hand over his passport, keep away from Dublin Airport and report once weekly to Dundalk Garda Station.
Mr Tinsley, who has yet to enter a plea, was remanded in custody with consent to bail. He is due to appear again on Wednesday while gardaà await directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Legal aid was approved.
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