A drunk businessman who endangered a flight and caused Aberdeen airport to be evacuated has narrowly avoided jail.
Graham Leonard was on a private flight from Manchester to Aberdeen when he took over the plane’s public address system mid-flight, sang football songs and threw a hot towel at an air stewardess.
The 46-year-old later set off a fire alarm inside Aberdeen International Airport, which resulted in part of the building being evacuated and closed.
He appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday to be sentenced after admitting the offences at an earlier hearing.
Fiscal depute Karen Dow told the court Leonard, of West House Meddens in Newmachar, was part of a group of Manchester United fans who had chartered an Eastern Airways flight in order to watch the club’s 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on March 15.
The court heard the group had downed gin and tonic and beer at Aberdeen International Airport, before travelling.
After the match they had gone on to a boozy corporate event, where they met former players.
Ms Dow told the court that on the 9.17pm flight back to Aberdeen, Leonard – who owns a painting and decorating firm in the city – began to behave in a way that was “particularly frustrating” for the crew.
After the flight landed in Aberdeen, a witness saw one of the group speaking into an airport PA system, before Leonard set off the fire alarm.
This led to 60 people being evacuated from an area of the building, which had to be shut. Two fire engines were sent to the airport.
Defence agent Gregor Kelly told the court Leonard was “mortified” by his actions, and was “extremely apologetic”.
Sheriff Edward Savage said he could not ignore the “very serious” nature of the offences but said he had proved himself to be a useful member of society until now.
He was fined £1,000 and ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work within the next six months.