Flight attendant arrested for exceeding alcohol limit

Anthony Shlyshen, an easyJet flight attendant, was escorted off the plane on which he was working by police, who later determined that he was eight times over the legal limit for alcohol, it was learned at a court hearing.

Police boarded the easyJet Airbus aircraft shortly before it was scheduled to take off and arrested the 48-year-old Shlyshen.

Passengers watched on as the flight attendant was marched off the plane at Gatwick Airport. Police had been called when the captain of the plan reported that Shlyshen was unfit for work.

Shlyshen, a resident of Brighton, was tested and found to be eight times over the limit for alcohol as permitted by aviation regulations.

He faces a possible prison sentence, although magistrates in Crawley were only able to impose a fine after he pleaded guilty to the charges of being under the influence of alcohol while on duty as an aircraft crew member. Magistrates committed him to Lewes Crown Court for maximum sentencing, which could involve time in prison.

The court heard that on 14 December, police were called to Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal where the easyJet plane was about to depart for Belfast.

Shlyshen failed to pass a breathalyser test given on the spot, and was arrested.

A blood test revealed that his alcohol level was 182mcg, which is twice the drink drive limit and more than eight times the 20mcg permitted by aviation regulations.

www.easyjet.com