A violent and intoxicated air passenger has been sentenced to six months in prison after a shocking pre-flight incident at London's Heathrow Airport. Jake Miller, 37, launched a physical attack on a police officer and spat in his girlfriend's face during a drunken argument aboard an Oman Airlines aircraft.
Heated Argument Turns Violent Onboard
The disturbance occurred on 30 April before the flight to Oman had even departed. Miller, from Stoke-on-Trent, was engaged in a furious row with his girlfriend, Amy Harrison. Defence solicitor Scott Ashdown, speaking at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court, described a 'heated discussion' that escalated when Harrison leaned towards Miller. 'Thereafter, Mr Miller spits in the face of Amy Harrison,' Ashdown told the court.
Concerned flight crew promptly alerted the police. When officers boarded the aircraft and instructed Miller to disembark, he turned his aggression on them. He specifically assaulted Police Sergeant Allan Shields, grabbing him by the throat and kicking him. Prosecutors confirmed the attack 'caused him pain and discomfort,' though the defence stated no serious injury was caused.
Second Drunk Passenger Causes Alarm
Compounding the chaos, Miller's cousin, 35-year-old Michael Phillips, was also on the same flight and was visibly intoxicated. Witnesses reported feeling 'very uncomfortable' as Phillips behaved erratically. Police Constable Nathan Clancy, who attended the scene, stated Phillips was 'irate' from the outset, shouting expletives at officers and fellow passengers.
'He was unsteady on his feet and had slurred speech. He had issues with volume control,' PC Clancy testified, adding he could smell 'very strong liquors' on Phillips's breath. Phillips also began screaming at a woman he believed was recording him. Passenger Katherine Lewis, seated a few rows behind, said Phillips appeared drunk and 'spaced out,' leaving her feeling uneasy in the confined cabin space.
Court Sentencing and Warrants Issued
Following the assault, Miller was restrained and became unresponsive, requiring removal from the plane by stretcher. He later admitted to three offences:
- Entering an aircraft while drunk.
- Assaulting an emergency worker (PS Shields).
- Assault by beating of Amy Harrison.
Magistrates handed down a 26-week jail sentence and ordered Miller to pay £400 in compensation to PS Shields. Neither defendant attended court; Miller is already in custody for other matters, while Phillips claimed he was unwell.
Phillips, who denied the charge of being drunk on an aircraft, was convicted in his absence. The magistrates have issued a warrant for his arrest, and he will be sentenced at a later date.
