A woman is expected to appear before Perth Magistrates Court today (14 January, 2025) charged with allegedly assaulting AFP officers at Perth Airport after alleged disorderly behaviour on a flight to Western Australia.
The AFP was called to meet a plane at Perth Airport last night (13 January, 2025) after receiving a request for police assistance when a passenger allegedly became disruptive and refused to follow crew instructions on a flight from Sydney.
AFP officers met the aircraft at the gate and escorted a Perth woman, 34, from the plane. Police will allege the woman attempted to walk away from officers while disembarking.
It will be alleged when officers tried to restrain the woman, she pulled away, striking an officer's forearm with a pen that had been concealed under her clothing. A second officer went to restrain the woman and was allegedly struck in the face and neck with the pen.
The woman was arrested and escorted off the tarmac.
An ambulance was called to treat the injured officers, one of whom was taken to Royal Perth Hospital. He spent the night in hospital and was released this morning.
The woman was charged with:
- Two counts of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, contrary to section 147.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 13 years' imprisonment;
- One count of obstructing a Commonwealth public official, contrary to section 149.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is two years' imprisonment; and
- One count of failing to comply with safety instructions given by cabin crew, contrary to section 91.580 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 50 penalty units, which is a maximum fine of $13,750.
AFP Acting Commander Murray Taylor said any passenger who broke the law by being violent or disruptive was dealt with swiftly and without prejudice.
"The AFP and its partners have zero tolerance for antisocial, violent or dangerous behaviour towards passengers, staff or law enforcement at our airports, and we will take action against those who offend," a/Commander Taylor said.
"Passengers expect to feel safe while travelling and should not have to witness intoxication, violence or bad behaviour.
"While our members acknowledge there is a certain element of risk to their role, the AFP will not tolerate any harm caused to members while performing their duties to keep travellers, airline and airport staff safe."
A Jetstar spokesperson said it was a requirement for passengers to always follow the instructions of crew and comply with safety procedures, which included fastening seatbelts for landing.
"We will never tolerate disruptive behaviour onboard our aircraft or within the terminal and appreciate the ongoing assistance and support of the AFP," the Jetstar spokesperson said.
The AFP encourages the public to call Airport Watch on 131 237 if they see or hear something unusual while travelling through Australia's major airports.
Airport Watch plays an important role within aviation security. It delivers critical information to the AFP to enhance the detection and resolution of suspicious or criminal activity at airports.
Suspicious activity or unusual behaviour includes:
- A person observed displaying an unusually keen interest in security procedures;
- A person observed recording or taking photos in or around sensitive areas of the airport;
- Anyone acting strangely or in an unusual manner;
- Anyone heard asking questions to gain information about the airport; and
- Anyone trying to gain unauthorised access to secure areas.
