A man who is married made unwelcome advances towards a British Airways flight attendant and issued threats to harm the cabin crew during a disruptive incident on a ten-hour flight with his wife, a court has been informed.
Philip Gould, aged 64, consumed alcohol on a British Airways flight from the Bahamas to London Heathrow on June 25 last year. He then proceeded to assault his wife, Jurkea, and verbally abuse the cabin crew. Gould, who had just returned from a luxurious vacation in Grand Cayman, reacted aggressively after being denied further drinks on the flight. He made inappropriate remarks and gestures towards a male flight attendant.
Displaying aggressive behavior, Gould used foul language towards the cabin crew and even attempted to approach the cockpit door while shouting at the captain. He later pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault, behaving in a manner that endangered the aircraft, and being intoxicated on an aircraft.
The sentencing for Gould has been postponed by Judge Fiona Barrie until the following month. She cautioned the defendant, stating that the court views intoxicated behavior on an aircraft seriously and that a prison sentence is highly probable.
According to the prosecution by Ashleigh Ettienne, after becoming visibly drunk three hours into the flight, Gould began exhibiting disruptive behavior towards the cabin crew, captain, and fellow passengers. His actions were deemed a significant safety concern by the crew, prompting them to intervene and physically restrain him.
Despite efforts to calm him down, Gould became increasingly belligerent and even physically assaulted his wife. He made violent threats towards the cabin crew and behaved inappropriately towards a female air hostess, culminating in him kissing a male flight attendant and displaying further erratic behavior.
Gould attributed his actions to a mix of alcohol, particularly vodka, claiming it had a severe impact on him. His defense lawyer, Manny Arora, stated that Gould suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and expressed remorse for his actions.
During the court appearance, Gould, who hails from Woking, Surrey, wore blue jeans and a puffer jacket. He confessed to charges of being intoxicated on an aircraft, sexual assault, assault, and endangering the aircraft. Gould has been granted unconditional bail until his sentencing on February 11.