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Air rage case: diversion to Belfast not my fault, US man tells court Air rage case: diversion to Belfast not my fault, US man tells court
(35 minutes later)
An American man charged over an alleged air rage incident does not accept responsibility for the costly diversion of a transatlantic flight, a court has heard.An American man charged over an alleged air rage incident does not accept responsibility for the costly diversion of a transatlantic flight, a court has heard.
The United Airlines plane was en route from Rome to Chicago on 20 June when the captain made the decision to touch down at Belfast international airport after concerns were raised about the man by cabin crew and other passengers.The United Airlines plane was en route from Rome to Chicago on 20 June when the captain made the decision to touch down at Belfast international airport after concerns were raised about the man by cabin crew and other passengers.
Jeremiah Mathis Thede, from California, appeared before Antrim magistrates court charged with endangering the safety of the aircraft, disruptive behaviour on board and common assault.Jeremiah Mathis Thede, from California, appeared before Antrim magistrates court charged with endangering the safety of the aircraft, disruptive behaviour on board and common assault.
Defence barrister Aaron Thompson described the high-profile case as “novel” and said his client was “not even aware” of common assault as an offence. Thede’s barrister, Aaron Thompson, described the high-profile case as “novel” and said his client was “not even aware” of common assault as an offence.
It is claimed the plane had to dump 50,000 litres of fuel before making the unscheduled stop.It is claimed the plane had to dump 50,000 litres of fuel before making the unscheduled stop.
As the crew would have exceeded their legal flying hours if the aircraft had resumed the journey straight away, 282 passengers were forced to wait almost 24 hours before the plane could take off again, with many having to sleep on the terminal floor. As the crew would have exceeded their legal limit for flying hours if the aircraft had resumed the journey straight away, 282 passengers were forced to wait almost 24 hours before the plane could take off again, with many having to sleep on the terminal floor.
Diverting the plane was a decision for the pilot, deputy district judge Sean O’Hare was told.Diverting the plane was a decision for the pilot, deputy district judge Sean O’Hare was told.
“These are all decisions taken by the flight crew,” said Thompson. “The pilot takes a decision to divert at a large cost.”“These are all decisions taken by the flight crew,” said Thompson. “The pilot takes a decision to divert at a large cost.”
Dressed in dark trousers with a loose white shirt , Thede, who had closely cropped dark hair, stood beside his lawyer in the public gallery as it was decided the case should proceed to a higher court. Dressed in dark trousers with a loose white shirt, Thede, who had closely cropped dark hair, stood beside his lawyer in the public gallery as it was decided the case should proceed to a higher court.
The 42-year-old, from Berkeley, spoke several times during the brief hearing to confirm he did not wish to give evidence or call witnesses at this stage. The 42-year-old, from Berkeley, spoke several times during the brief hearing to confirm that he did not wish to give evidence or call witnesses at this stage.
Thede, who has spent time in custody, is already significantly out of pocket as a result of having to stay in Northern Ireland for the case, the court heard.Thede, who has spent time in custody, is already significantly out of pocket as a result of having to stay in Northern Ireland for the case, the court heard.
“He was never meant to be here,” the barrister said. “He is an American citizen who was diverted. His flight was diverted at a cost, if you read the newspapers, of about $500,000 (£326,000). He is now held here on bail.” “He was never meant to be here,” the barrister said. “He is an American citizen who was diverted. His flight was diverted at a cost, if you read the newspapers, of about $500,000 [£326,000]. He is now held here on bail.”
Releasing Thede on his own bail of £500, the judge said novel areas of law would have to be explored.Releasing Thede on his own bail of £500, the judge said novel areas of law would have to be explored.
He told Thede’s defence team: “You will have to look carefully.”He told Thede’s defence team: “You will have to look carefully.”
The case was adjourned until 14 October. Judge O’Hare said: “It is in your interest to be back at this court on that date.” The case was adjourned until 14 October. The judge said: “It is in your interest to be back at this court on that date.”
Outside, Thede declined to comment and shielded his face from a camera.Outside, Thede declined to comment and shielded his face from a camera.