Jet2 Brawler: Jailed For Punching WPC In Face

A passenger who assaulted two police officers and engaged in a physical altercation on a stationary commercial aircraft has been sentenced to 15 months in prison at Leeds Crown Court

Nathan Cooper, 45, of Dene Park, Harrogate, appeared for sentencing on Wednesday after pleading guilty to charges of affray and being drunk on an aircraft.

The offences occurred on 24 July 2025 on board a Jet2 service scheduled to depart from Leeds Bradford Airport for Chania, Crete.

The court heard that while the aircraft was delayed on the runway prior to take-off, Cooper consumed a quantity of duty-free vodka before a physical dispute developed between him and his travelling companion, Christopher McCann.

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Cabin crew intervened and relocated both men to the rear galley of the aircraft, where the altercation continued.

"They were throwing punches, and the defendant was kicking the seats and punching lockers on the aircraft," Louise Pryke, prosecuting, said.

West Yorkshire Police officers subsequently boarded the aircraft to effect an arrest, during which Cooper punched a female officer in the face and bit a second officer on the arm.

Cooper was later subjected to a breath test, registering 112 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

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"You threw punches, kicked at seats and struck internal fittings, and this behaviour took place in what, as anyone who's travelled in an aircraft knows, is a crowded environment," Judge Taryn Turner said during sentencing.

"There is increasing concern about the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption on aircraft. Those who choose to drink to excess and then behave violently in such a confined and safety-critical environment can expect to receive an immediate custodial sentence," the judge added.

In addition to the 15-month custodial term, Cooper was ordered to pay a £187 statutory surcharge and has received a lifetime travel ban from the airline.

"Our attending officers in this incident were also met with violence and this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. I hope the fact that Cooper has been sent to prison sends a message to others about the repercussions of drunk and violent behaviour on aeroplanes," Inspector Kevin Lowther of West Yorkshire Police said following the hearing.

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McCann, 45, also of Harrogate, pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft at an earlier hearing in May.

He has pleaded not guilty to the secondary charge of affray, maintaining that he acted as a peacemaker, and is currently scheduled to stand trial in August 2027.