From honeymoon to prison – violent homophobic flyer jailed

What started as a honeymoon getaway has ended up with a seven-month prison sentence for one groom in the UK.

Michael Cunnett, from Epsom, Surrey, became aggressive when he refused to stop using his e-cigarette on an easyJet plane that was due to leave London Gatwick for Egypt in February.

The plane was still to take off when the 38-year-old punched two flight attendants and made homophobic slurs against the crew.

It’s alleged he had drunk four pints of lager before the 9am flight.

READ MORE:
* Drunk passenger attacks flight attendant on Turkish Airlines flight
* ‘Nut rage’ Korean Air boss walks free from jail
* Passenger risks jail time over plane seat row

Cunnett was arrested, and on route to custody, he repeatedly kicked the police van causing damage.

He was found guilty of interfering with aircrew. On sentencing at Lewes Crown Court, Judge David Rennie likened him to a “child having a tantrum”.

“You chose to drink four pints and to behave in a foul-mouthed, highly abusive manner. Something of your true character did reveal itself,” reports The Independent.

As well as the prison sentence, Cunnett was ordered to pay £500 (NZ$966) in compensation to each of the crew.