London:
A 46-year-old Indian-origin air rage passenger in the UK has been jailed for 11 months by a court here for drunken abuse of cabin crew on a flight from Dubai to Birmingham last year.
Jasbir Singh Bharaj, who was labelled by one flight attendant as the "worst passenger he had ever encountered", also bit a police officer when they tried to arrest him.
Jasbir was jailed for 11 months at Birmingham Crown Court this week for his actions aboard the Emirates plane on September 16 last year, 'Birmingham Mail' reported.
"On the Emirates flight you drank vodka mixed with wine and then proceeded to abuse cabin staff. You demanded more alcohol and swore repeatedly even though there were four young children behind you who had to listen to your tirade," Judge Burbridge said during sentencing.
"You told a female member of cabin crew that if she were on the ground you would punch her in the face," the Judge said.
"When you landed you were abusive to police and bit Police Constable Ingram on the arm. People need to know that if you get drunk on an airplane, upset other passengers and cause cabin crew to have a difficult job then custodial sentences should apply," he said.
"You have many previous convictions and it seems you will not learn your lesson," he added.
The court heard how Jasbir also caused more than 2,500 pounds worth of damage to an in-flight entertainment console.
He was found guilty of drunkenness on an aircraft, criminal damage, racially aggravated words and behaviour and common assault.
His defence lawyer, Satvir Aujla, told the court: "Bharaj is suffering from considerable ill health and is due to have a hip replacement today."
"His first marriage ended when he found out his wife was having an affair and his second relationship with a Thai woman also ended poorly. He is ashamed and remorseful for his actions."