University lecturer slapped policewoman as she was kicked off Ryanair flight
A University of Bath lecturer quit her job after she slapped a policewoman who was escorting her off a Ryanair flight.
Leah Wild, 44, who taught sociology at the university, started downing duty free Jack Daniels when her flight to Faro in Portugal got delayed at Bristol Airport last April.
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The Ryanair plane was stuck on the runway for three hours after a strike by French air traffic controllers.
Wild met a friend on the flight, Reuben Crowe, 23, and the pair, who were not going on holiday together, proceeded to get drunk and loud.
Bristol Crown Court heard how the captain gave them 10 minutes to calm down, but when they did not, two policewomen boarded the plane and told them to stop drinking or face arrest.
After being marched down the aisle to the exit, Wild reportedly slapped the arresting police officer in the face, reports the Daily Telegraph.
The Mirror reports that prosecutor Neil Treharne said: "When the policewoman asked what was wrong she was answered with abuse.
"They were waving their arms around, tossing their heads, swearing and were clearly drunk. The pilot was not happy to take them."
Wild pleaded guilty to being drunk on a plane and assaulting a police officer.
Crowe admitted being drunk on a plane and obstructing a police officer.
They were both sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 80 hours community work.
They were also both banned from Bristol Airport for a year.
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