Whisky-binge dad in 'disgraceful' rampage on plane

A BUSINESSMAN was dragged off a plane to the applause of his fellow passengers after he went on a drunken rampage.

- By AMY WALKER

The Jet2 flight to Turkey had begun taxiing to the runway at Manchester Airport when the police were called due to Lewis Howarth's vile behaviour.

As a result the plane was forced to return to Terminal 1.

Howarth had been abusive to staff, repeatedly stood up during the safety briefing and called one stewardess a 'd***head' when asked to fasten his seatbelt, a court heard.

Officers boarded the plane and spoke to the cabin crew, who explained Howarth was 'highly intoxicated' and swearing at other passengers.

As they approached him, he stood up, initially appearing compliant. However, his behaviour quickly changed when they began walking him towards the exit.

"He started to resist and tried to fight or assault those escorting him," prosecutor Saul Brody told Manchester Crown Court. "He was taken to the floor and handcuffed and was described as thrashing his head towards the passengers and officers. He was restrained on the floor of the aisle and once outside he continued shouting abuse towards the officers."