REM Guitarist Cleared in Air Rage Case
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: uk
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This aquital highlights the weakness in the law yet again. Remember the Airtours ac that diverted into Norfolk VA and the wriggling that ensued. In this latest case, I wonder if the result would have been the same had the CPS chosen to prosecute using a basic assault charge. Methinks that the industry and law makers ned to go back to the drawing board and frame a better law to protect all of us in this working environment.
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: London, UK
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hmm... I do find it all rather suspicious.
I frequently take Stillnoct when I fly overnight, often after having had a glass or two of wine with dinner. The result, unerringly, is that I pass out for a few hours. If I have any violent incidents with this drug in the future, I'll let you know!
I frequently take Stillnoct when I fly overnight, often after having had a glass or two of wine with dinner. The result, unerringly, is that I pass out for a few hours. If I have any violent incidents with this drug in the future, I'll let you know!
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: The Valley Where the Thames Runs Softly
Age: 77
Posts: 556
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From The Times:
Six ways to pass the Buck
Play the Southern Gentleman: Buck exchanged pleasantries and declared devotion to his wife.
Call celebrity character witnesses: Michael Stipe called him the epitome of a dying breed of gentleman, Bono testified to his sobriety and even the former Mayor of Georgia offered praise.
Blame the sleeping pill: Professor Ian Hindmarch, an expert from Surrey University on the effects of drugs on human behaviour, told that Ambien combined with alcohol could lead to bizarre behaviour and “underlying aggression”.
Try to discredit evidence: the two main British Airways witnesses, Mario Agius and Holly Ward, had a financial incentive in seeing Mr Buck found guilty. The defence revealed that both had launched compensation claims.
Use clever seating: Stipe, the band member Mike Mills from REM and Mr Buck’s lawyer wife, Stephanie, were seated facing the jury, where their anguished expressions were clear to see.
Employ a top lawyer: Richard Ferguson, QC, may list his hobbies as “drinking Guinness” and “playing at being a farmer” but has built himself a reputation as a formidable advocate.
Six ways to pass the Buck
Play the Southern Gentleman: Buck exchanged pleasantries and declared devotion to his wife.
Call celebrity character witnesses: Michael Stipe called him the epitome of a dying breed of gentleman, Bono testified to his sobriety and even the former Mayor of Georgia offered praise.
Blame the sleeping pill: Professor Ian Hindmarch, an expert from Surrey University on the effects of drugs on human behaviour, told that Ambien combined with alcohol could lead to bizarre behaviour and “underlying aggression”.
Try to discredit evidence: the two main British Airways witnesses, Mario Agius and Holly Ward, had a financial incentive in seeing Mr Buck found guilty. The defence revealed that both had launched compensation claims.
Use clever seating: Stipe, the band member Mike Mills from REM and Mr Buck’s lawyer wife, Stephanie, were seated facing the jury, where their anguished expressions were clear to see.
Employ a top lawyer: Richard Ferguson, QC, may list his hobbies as “drinking Guinness” and “playing at being a farmer” but has built himself a reputation as a formidable advocate.
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Surprised at the verdict, based on Press reports.
Assuming that the jury chosen at random didn't produce 12 fools, should we be sceptical about the accuracy of the Press reports?
As for the CC claiming compensation
, I dont blame the jury if that made them less sympathetic to the CC and thought they were moneygrabbing.
Assuming that the jury chosen at random didn't produce 12 fools, should we be sceptical about the accuracy of the Press reports?
As for the CC claiming compensation
, I dont blame the jury if that made them less sympathetic to the CC and thought they were moneygrabbing.
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Crashed my car today. Think the alchohol reacted with my lunch, and I didn't know what I was doing. (Can't remember a thing)
Still, looks like a legal precident has been set. If you can avoid prosecution for assault and endangering an aircraft, drink driving shouldn't be a problem.
Still, looks like a legal precident has been set. If you can avoid prosecution for assault and endangering an aircraft, drink driving shouldn't be a problem.
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Given the trauma and abuse suffered by the crew - is there a case for a prosecution (private or otherwise) for assault? What was he actually charged with in this case.
I hope that BA are sympathetic to any of the crew members who subsequently refuse to fly with Buck on board.
This has sent out all the wrong messages. Liked the analogy with the Scots skier, perhaps someone should take away some of Buck's gold discs!!
I hope that BA are sympathetic to any of the crew members who subsequently refuse to fly with Buck on board.
This has sent out all the wrong messages. Liked the analogy with the Scots skier, perhaps someone should take away some of Buck's gold discs!!
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: london/UK
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I doubt that the CC could now issue proccedings for assault. It would give Mr Innocent a heaven sent outer...ie that he was being victimised.
I understand he was charged with being drunk on an aircraft, which the jury appear to have slung on the grounds that if he had only had a couple of drinks, that his behaviour was the result of the 'small amount' of drink mixing with a drug, he cannot have been drunk. If he was not drunk, he cannot be convicted, the ingridents of the offence having not been proven.
As regards to endangering the saftey of an aircraft, well difficult to prove. I don't know what he was alledged to have done on board, apart from play a CD on a trolley...assuming there was something more then it would have to be shown beyond doubt that he acted in a way that endangered the saftey of that flight. For instance, kicking a seat couldn't have any effect on the flight, nor could kicking a memeber of the cabin crew...trying to break the window with a fire axe ...obviously would be.
Still, if BA insist on letting him fly with them a trip in the wheel well might cure him of his ways.........
I understand he was charged with being drunk on an aircraft, which the jury appear to have slung on the grounds that if he had only had a couple of drinks, that his behaviour was the result of the 'small amount' of drink mixing with a drug, he cannot have been drunk. If he was not drunk, he cannot be convicted, the ingridents of the offence having not been proven.
As regards to endangering the saftey of an aircraft, well difficult to prove. I don't know what he was alledged to have done on board, apart from play a CD on a trolley...assuming there was something more then it would have to be shown beyond doubt that he acted in a way that endangered the saftey of that flight. For instance, kicking a seat couldn't have any effect on the flight, nor could kicking a memeber of the cabin crew...trying to break the window with a fire axe ...obviously would be.
Still, if BA insist on letting him fly with them a trip in the wheel well might cure him of his ways.........
Moderator
Join Date: Feb 1998
Location: Europe
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
bjcc perhaps things are different in the UK?
The guy who assaulted me 2 years ago got convicted by a Dutch court.
Aircraft carrying pax require an x-amount of FA's to guarantee the safety of the pax in case of an emergency, either in the air on the ground. This is a requitement by international law.
Incapacitating an FA by assaulting him/her, thus poses a risk to the safety of the flight.
At least that's the way the judge saw it.
The conviction of this a*sehole went a long way in sorting the whole thing out in my mind.
My sympathies to the BA FA's involved in this matter; this "legal judgement" must be very hard for them to cope with.
Hope and trust BA is looking after them!
The guy who assaulted me 2 years ago got convicted by a Dutch court.
Aircraft carrying pax require an x-amount of FA's to guarantee the safety of the pax in case of an emergency, either in the air on the ground. This is a requitement by international law.
Incapacitating an FA by assaulting him/her, thus poses a risk to the safety of the flight.
At least that's the way the judge saw it.
The conviction of this a*sehole went a long way in sorting the whole thing out in my mind.
My sympathies to the BA FA's involved in this matter; this "legal judgement" must be very hard for them to cope with.
Hope and trust BA is looking after them!
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Wet Coast
Posts: 2,335
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Which was it, a 'couple' of glasses or fifteen in ~8 hours ? If the latter, I'm not surprised he fell out of his tree, pill or no pill. Would pretty much queer the chance of getting a result in a civil case too I'd think.
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Is it not possible for an otherwise responsible individual to suddenly turn into a hooligan after drink, drugs or both. The fact that Bono thinks that Buck is a family man and isn't aware of him drinking to excess surely is interesting but can't vouch for his behaviour on the day.
Back to the sleeping drug he took anyone know the manufacturer and what the instructions say regarding side effects?
Are the crew taking out a private prosecution?
Back to the sleeping drug he took anyone know the manufacturer and what the instructions say regarding side effects?
Are the crew taking out a private prosecution?
