An Indian national, Kolathu James Leo, 42, has been charged with multiple offenses after allegedly causing a disturbance on a Singapore-bound flight from Sydney on February 27. Leo faces charges of criminal intimidation, using criminal force against a flight attendant, and being intoxicated on board, according to reports from The Straits Times.
The incident occurred during the flight when Leo, reportedly intoxicated, began shouting and disturbing passengers. He allegedly attempted to detach a seat pocket and struck the seat in front of him. His disruptive behavior intensified as cabin crew tried to calm him down. Leo is also accused of grabbing a flight attendant’s right wrist.
The crew members, in an effort to control the situation, placed Leo under restraints for the remainder of the journey. Upon the plane’s arrival at Changi Airport, he was arrested by officers from the Airport Police Division.
A police spokesperson confirmed that Leo became compliant only after being informed that the flight would be diverted back to Australia if his behavior continued. Following the arrest, Leo was charged and is expected to plead guilty in court on April 22.
If convicted of using criminal force against the crew member, Leo could face up to three months in prison and a fine of up to SGD 1,500. Additionally, threatening to kill another person could lead to a maximum jail sentence of 10 years and a fine. Being intoxicated on board a flight could result in a jail term of up to one year and a fine of up to SGD 20,000.
The case highlights the severity of disruptive behavior on flights and the strict legal consequences for passengers who endanger the safety and security of both crew members and fellow passengers.