Man Accused Of Threatening To Stab Pilot

A 32-year-old American businessman was arrested by police at Heathrow after allegedly threatening to stab the pilots on a British Airways flight.

A fellow passenger on the Phoenix to London jumbo jet said the man had brandished a shard of glass after being refused more alcohol.

Police said Timothy Bradley, a mortgage consultant, appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court in west London on a charge of being drunk on an aircraft and of common assault.

He was remanded in custody and will appear for sentencing at Isleworth Crown Court in west London on September 23.

The Boeing 747 had arrived at Heathrow shortly after 1pm last Saturday.

Passenger Lesley Lewis, a bank worker from Southampton who was sitting near Bradley in business class, told The Sun:

''He was shouting at customers and crew, swearing, stumbling about the cabin.

''He was swearing at the manager of the crew. He pushed him in the galley and wanted to know why he was refused more wine.''

She went on: ''At one stage I could see him holding a broken glass. He was saying to people around him 'Why have I f****** been picked? I'll stab the pilots if they want'.''

A BA spokesman said: ''We do not tolerate abusive behaviour towards our staff or customers.

''Although the cabin crew tried to pacify the passenger, his behaviour continued to be unacceptable and the flight was met by the police.''