Pilot accused of being drunk won't get passport back
By DERRILL HOLLY
Associated Press Writer
Published March 12, 2004
LEESBURG, Va. -- A Virgin Atlantic Airways pilot accused of showing up for work intoxicated lost a bid Friday to get his passport returned.
[redacted] was arrested Dec. 19 at Washington Dulles International Airport, after authorities said security screeners smelled liquor on his breath and called police. At the time of his arrest he was preparing to fly a Boeing 747 with 383 passengers and 17 crewmembers to London's Heathrow Airport.
[redacted], 55, was indicted this week on a charge of attempting to operate an aircraft while under the influence of an intoxicating drug or alcohol. He pleaded innocent.
The 14-year Virgin Atlantic veteran has been free on $25,000 bond since Dec. 22, at which time he surrendered his passport. But that has kept [redacted], a U.S. citizen, from returning home to Britain, where he has lived for several years with his wife and two children.
"It's rare that we have an individual under indictment and facing trial that seeks to leave the country," said Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Stephen Sincavage, arguing against the return of [redacted]'s passport. Loudoun County Circuit Court Judge James H. Chamblin agreed.
"This is not a minor offense," said Chamblin, noting that 400 people could have been killed as a result of [redacted]'s actions.
"I just don't feel that this court should substitute $25,000 for his guarantee to appear," Chamblin said. The judge also questioned whether extradition laws in the United Kingdom would compel [redacted] to return to faces the state charge.
Trial has been set for Aug. 2. If convicted, [redacted] faces up to five years in prison and a $2,500 fine.
"We're obviously disappointed by the judge's ruling," defense attorney Thomas Hill told reporters after the hearing. Hill promised to mount a defense featuring "substantial factual and legal challenges."
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