A Melbourne man is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today (20 March) for allegedly assaulting an AFP officer and acting disorderly on a domestic flight.
AFP officers at Perth Airport responded to an airline’s call for assistance on Saturday night (18 March), after a passenger allegedly acted aggressively and refused to comply with the direction of airline staff.
The man allegedly refused to follow further requests from officers to disembark the plane. It will also be alleged that he became more aggressive and proceeded to physically assault an AFP officer attempting to arrest him.
Police were required to deploy a Taser in order to restrain and arrest the man. Three AFP officers sustained minor injuries that were later treated.
A second passenger who was travelling with the man was also escorted off the plane.
Acting Superintendent Shona Davis said antisocial or illegal behaviour is unacceptable in any setting and the AFP will not tolerate it at Australia’s airports.
“Simply put, we just need to treat each other the way we want to be treated – with respect and common decency,” Acting Supt Davis said.
“Choosing to behave poorly on a flight not only effects your travel plans, but also those of potentially hundreds of other people.
“This is why the AFP has no tolerance for poor behaviour in our airports or on aircraft.”
The man, 30, has been charged with the following:
- Assaulting a police officer, contrary to section 318(1)d of the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA);
- Obstructing a public officer, contrary to section 172(2) of the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA); and
- Disorderly behaviour in a public place, contrary to section 74A(2)(a) of the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA).
The maximum penalty for these offences is seven years’ imprisonment.
If you require a police presence at an airport, or wish to report an incident or provide information, please call the AFP’s Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).