Air rage offenders to receive tougher sentences

Air rage offenders could face up to five years in jail following the introduction of a new law aimed at curbing loutish behaviour in the skies.

The new Aviation Offences Act will see an increase in the maximum penalty for the most serious offence of endangering the safety of an aircraft from two to five years. It also gives police greater powers to arrest suspected offenders.

It is hoped that these changes will help the police to prosecute anti-social behaviour on board planes.

Figures show that a total of 648 serious and significant incidents on board UK aircraft were reported in the year to 31 March 2003. Some 74% involved male passengers.

Welcoming the new law, UK Aviation Minister Tony McNulty said: "Hooliganism is as unacceptable in the air as it is on our football terraces and we are determined to clamp down hard. This change to the law sends out a clear message that loutish behaviour will not be tolerated.

"By strengthening the law passengers have been forced to think twice before allowing their antisocial behaviour to put the lives of their fellow holidaymakers at risk.”

(MB)