Newlywed jailed after he groped and threatened to burn Emirates flight attendant

Emirates passenger groped and threatened to burn flight attendant.

 

A drunk newlywed groped one flight attendant and threatened to burn her colleague during an Emirates flight from Dubai to Manchester in March.

 

Mohammed Razaq, 29, has been jailed for 18 months after he pleaded guilty at Minshull Street Crown Court to a number of offences, including drunkenness on an aircraft, affray, sexual assault and criminal damage.

 

Razaq was travelling home after spending three weeks in Pakistan, where he had tied the knot.

 

He began drinking heavily at Dubai International Airport before consuming more alcohol onboard the plane out of ‘sorrow’ he claims because his parents didn’t like his new bride.

 

Cabin crew decided to stop serving Razaq alcohol approximately three hours into the flight after he started to intimidate other passengers, prosecutors told the court.

 

Prosecuting, Lisa Boocock said he began pestering those seated nearby to help him get more alcohol.

 

The court heard that at one point, Razaq groped a female flight attendant as she bent down to collect rubbish on the cabin floor. He then threatened to punch a male flight attendant and told the female cabin crew manager that he would “bite your nose and ears off and burn you like Guy Fawkes”.

 

He then punched a seat with such force he bent the headrest, causing £200 of damage.

 

“Passengers were becoming concerned for their safety,” Ms Boocock said. “He punched [the seat] with such force, the galley assistant said it was used like a punch bag, bending the headrest inwards.”

 

Razaq opened another passenger’s bag, taking out an apple and threatening to throw it at them before falling asleep in his seat. He was arrested when the flight landed in Manchester, but had to be interviewed the following day as he was so drunk.

 

The flight attendant he groped told the court: “It took me some time to feel confident on my next flight. It will take some time to forget that feeling.”

 

Her colleague added: “I can honestly say it was the worst experience that I have encountered working for Emirates for the last seven years.”

 

Handing down the 18 months jail sentence, Judge Nigel Bird told Razaq he “caused fear in [his] captive audience.

 

“The decision was made to stop serving you and you became angry, shouting at passengers and caused fear and distress to those around you, including young children.

 

“Faced with your behaviour, the crew maintained their professionalism. When a member of air crew was passing, going about her duties, she bent down in your vicinity and you assaulted her by squeezing her buttocks.

 

“Other passengers witnessed that assault and felt embarrassed and humiliated by it. She felt disgusted, unsafe and used the word ‘terrified’.

 

“It’s important to remember these events took place on a plane. Those around you could not simply walk away or go home. They were captive to your unfortunate behaviour.”