Video: Fight between radio DJ and airline check-in staff

Footage showing the moment a fight erupted between a Jetstar check-in staff member and an angry passenger has been released as part of an assault case.

The incident took place in October between New Zealand radio DJ Iain Stables and Skycare employee Patrick Joseph Ulberg.

The CCTV footage shows Mr Stables sweeping bag labels off the counter and throwing a radio at Mr Ulberg after being told he missed a flight.

Mt Ulberg is then seen coming out from behind the counter and fighting with the passenger.

The Skycare employee has been found not guilty of assaulting Mr Stables, with the court ruling that he was acting in self-defence. Police will now review charges against Mr Stables, who was, at the time of the incident, charged with disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence.

It was alleged that the fight started when Mr Stables turned up late for his Jetstar flight and was not allowed to board, being told to f*** off to Air New Zealand'. He then told Skycare staff that 'you're a loser from a loser airline'.

It was also alleged that Mr Stables called Mr Ulberg a 'black mother f****r' before leaning over the check-in counter and punching him.

However Mr Stables claimed that Mr Ulberg threatened and attacked him, receiving a 'constant attack to the head'. He said he was also punched while on the ground.

According to the NZ Herald, judge Peter Hobbs said that Mr Stables was "aggressive and abusive". A witness claimed to have seen Mr Stables "mouthing off", throwing something and using the racist slur before being punched in the face by the employee at the Jetstar desk.

Mr Stables, who was treated for concussion, bruising and cuts after the incident, said he was stunned by the verdict and denies the allegations.


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