Man, 19, accused of assault onboard plane forced to divert to Shannon Airport

A 19 year-old man has appeared in court charged with two alleged ‘serious assaults’ on fellow passengers on board a Tenerife bound flight that was forced to divert to Shannon Airport on Wednesday.

At Ennis District Court on Thursday afternoon, Jay Dalziel with an address at Cornelia Street, Motherwell in Scotland appeared after being charged with two counts of assault causing harm on board the Glasgow to Tenerife flight on Wednesday, June 12.

Dalziel is also facing two breach of the peace charges contrary to Section 20 of the Air Navigation Act where he is accused of engaging in behaviour of a threatening, abusive or insulting nature whether by word or gesture with intent to cause of breach of the peace.

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Dalziel – who turned 19 at the end of last month – is charged with the assault causing harm of Amie Hendry and assault causing harm of John Mills country to Section 3 of the Offences against the Person Act 1997 on June 12.

The flight departed Glasgow at 3.30pm on Wednesday and diverted to Shannon Airport at around 5.30pm following an incident on board.

Dalziel was arrested by Gardai after the aircraft touched down and was brought to Shannon Garda Station and the flight continued its journey to Tenerife.

In evidence of arrest, charge and caution, Det Garda Roddy Burke of Shannon Garda Station told the court that Dalziel made no reply after charge when charged at Shannon Garda Station at 3pm on Thursday.

Judge Alec Gabbett remanded Dalziel in custody with consent to bail on condition that a €5,000 independent surety be lodged.

Explaining the requirement for the independent surety of €5,000, Judge Gabbett said: “These are serious assault charges and it is important that I know someone is going to face trial.”

Sgt John Burke told Judge Gabbett that directions are awaited from the DPP.

The accused’s grand-father said that the cash would be provided within two and a half hours and Judge Gabbett told him that Mr Dalziel would be admitted to bail when the money is brought to Limerick prison.

Judge Gabbett directed that Gardai return Mr Dalziel’s passport to allow him to return home to Scotland.

Judge Gabbett said that it was the accused’s age was the biggest factor when allowing him to return to Scotland

Judge Gabbett said that Mr Dalziel in the circumstances may have to take the ferry back to Scotland.

He said that airlines “may not be too keen to allow him to board a flight. He has to take that risk when he books the flight.”

Judge Gabbett said that he would like Mr Dalziel to be accompanied back and his grandfather said that this would be the case.

Asked on the issue of legal aid, solicitor, Stiofan Fitzpatrick for Mr Dalziel told Judge Gabbett that he would reserve his position on that issue.

Judge Gabbett remanded Mr Dalziel in custody with consent to bail to appear at Ennis District Court next Wednesday. Judge Gabbett said that if Mr Dalziel takes up bail and returns to Scotland that his attendance at court would be excused. After court, Gardai escorted Mr Dalziel to Limerick prison.

Those convicted of assault causing harm in the district face prison terms up to 12 months and if a case is heard on indictment in the circuit court, up to five years in prison.

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