British pensioner banned for life from airline after mid-air punch up

A British pensionioner has been banned from Virgin Atlantic flights for life after being arrested for a mid-air punch-up with another passenger.

Derek John George Edmond, 76, from Lincolnshire, was involved in a brawl at 30,000ft on board a Virgin Atlantic flight from Gatwick to Barbados.

Mr Edmond was travelling to the Caribbean holiday destination with his daughter Zoe King, 46, and her husband Martin Robert King, 49.

Inspector David Welch, of Barbados Royal Police Force, said: 'There appeared to be a birthday celebration that got too noisy. A Danish national on the flight complained and the fracas started from there.'

Mr Edmond and the Kings appeared in court charged with disruptive behaviour on an aircraft.

They were fined £2,300, but allowed to continue their holiday, although Virgin Atlantic confirmed they would not be able to travel home with the airline.

A spokeswoman said: 'Virgin Atlantic can confirm that flight VS29 from London Gatwick to Barbados on Thursday, June 9, was met by police due to passengers behaving in a disruptive manner. The Boeing 747-400 was carrying 229 passengers plus 16 crew.

'The safety and welfare of our crew and passengers is Virgin Atlantic's top priority and at no point was the safety or security of the aircraft compromised.

'Following police investigations three of these passengers have been fined. These passengers will now be banned from Virgin Atlantic flights.'

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