Have to disagree, he new the rule with regard to the 30 minute before ECT and he knowingly broke it. SIMPLE!! It shouldn't have gone to court, should have been an internal investigation and remedy.
But at the end of the day it is 'THEIR TRAIN SET'. As long as 'they' buy the aircraft, market the routes, sell the tickets and more importantly, put my salary in my bank account on time every month, I am quite happy to abide by 'their' rules.
I am still perplexed by this particular situation, I am always looking for an 'excuse' to get off the aircraft and go to the pub, in Queenstown I would be very adverse to going anywhere when I can justify not going!!