Jetstar passenger who allegedly forced his Sydney-bound flight to turn back to Perth breaks his silence
A Jetstar passenger laughed and flexed his muscles in court after being charged for allegedly forcing a plane to turn around mid-flight.
Wade Douglas Corbett, 33, was charged with disorderly behavior and failure to comply with safety instructions after allegedly posing a threat on board flight JQ 989 which left Perth for Sydney shortly before midnight on Sunday.
Corbett was allegedly drunk during the flight, which had to turn around just an hour into the trip, leaving 150 passengers stranded.
He was refused more alcohol on board, then allegedly locked himself in the cabin toilet and did not come out until the plane landed.
Corbett appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Monday and appeared unfazed by the charges against him as he left.
Wade Douglas Corbett, 33 (pictured flexing his muscles in court on Monday) was charged with disorderly behavior and failing to comply with safety instructions after allegedly posing a threat on board flight JQ 989 which left Perth for Sydney just before midnight on Sunday
When asked by a reporter what he had to say to the affected passengers, Corbett laughed and replied “sorry guys.”
He then bizarrely flexed his biceps as reporters continued to demand answers.
Corbett could face fines of up to $27,000, while Jetstar is seeking $20,000 in compensation for fuel and operating costs.
The 33-year-old was traveling to New South Wales for an unrelated court matter.
Corbett was released on bail on Monday but must remain in Western Australia and abstain from alcohol.
Passengers on board the plane had to find alternative accommodation after the incident.
“The safety of our crew and customers is our first priority and we do not tolerate any disruptive or abusive behavior on board our aircraft,” a Jetstar spokesperson said.
“We apologize to customers who were affected by this disruption and thank them for their patience while our teams worked hard to provide overnight accommodation in Perth and replacement flights on Monday morning.”
Corbett will return to court on October 6.
Corbett was allegedly drunk during the flight, which had to turn around just an hour into the trip, leaving 150 passengers stranded.
