WA man charged for stripping naked and alleged assault on domestic flight from Perth to Melbourne
A man who forced a flight to Melbourne to turn back to Perth Airport after he allegedly stripped naked and assaulted a crew member on the plane has been charged.
The 32-year-old man was arrested at Perth domestic airport on May 27 after staff notified the Australian Federal Police of a passenger, who removed their clothing and allegedly assaulted a crew member on the plane.
The man was restrained by crew members as the flight returned to Perth Airport less than an hour after taking off.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.AFP officers boarded the plane and escorted the man off before being taken for a mental health assessment.
He was arrested and charged with one count of assault, threaten with violence or intimidate a person or a member of the aircraft crew, and one count of offensive/disorderly behaviour on an aircraft.
The flight was cancelled after it disembarked at Perth Airport.
AFP Perth Airport police commander Peter Hatch said the AFP had zero tolerance for disruptive or criminal behaviour on board aircraft or and within airports.
“The safety and wellbeing of all travellers and workers is paramount,” he said.
“Particularly when people are confined during a flight, they expect to feel safe and not be subjected to aggressive or violent behaviour.
“These incidents can also cause delays for other travellers and staff. The AFP works closely with the airline industry to intervene if anyone’s behaviour interferes with the safe operation of a flight.”
