A Cairns man is expected to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court today (31 August, 2024) after the AFP charged him with allegedly assaulting an airline worker at Perth Airport.
The man, 45, was arrested at Perth domestic airport last night (30 August, 2024) after airline staff notified the AFP of the alleged actions of a passenger. Staff alleged the man become aggressive after a decision was made to remove him from a flight bound for Brisbane because he was intoxicated.
The man allegedly lunged toward an airline staff member when being removed from the flight, contacting him in the groin area with his hand.
AFP officers spoke to the man, and it will be allegedly he was swearing near other passengers, including families with children. The man was warned about his behaviour, but allegedly continued acting in a disorderly manner.
The man was later charged with:
- One count of common assault, contrary to section 313(1)(b) of the Western Australian Criminal Code (WA); and
- One count of disorderly behaviour in a public place, contrary to section 74A(2)(a) of the Western Australian Criminal Code (WA).
The maximum penalty for each of these offences is 18 months imprisonment and an $18,000 fine.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said there was zero tolerance for violent or abusive behaviour, especially towards staff at our airports.
"Airline staff and other travellers should not be subjected to violence or other bad behaviour when at the airport," Detective Acting Superintendent Brindal said.
"The AFP is committed to working closely with the airline industry to intervene if anyone's behaviour interferes with the safety of the public in or around an airport.
"Everyone has the right to travel safely, and airline staff do not need to deal with abusive or violent behaviour. The AFP will not hesitate to charge those who commit criminal offences through their poor behaviour at airports."
