Drunk passenger on Air Canada flight is arrested at Sydney Airport after drinking his own alcohol

A drunk passenger who only drew attention to himself in the last 10 minutes of a 15-hour international flight after drinking his own alcohol on board has been fined $750.

Hardik Patel was arrested at Sydney Airport after the Air Canada crew reported that he had become aggressive shortly before AC33 landed from Vancouver.

When cabin crew realized the 46-year-old was intoxicated, they discovered and seized a 1-litre bottle of Bacardi and a 1-litre bottle of water containing a strong alcohol-smelling liquid.

Australian Federal Police officers who met Patel at Gate 30 around 10 a.m. on February 2 noted that he had a “red face and a strong odor of alcohol emanating from his person.”

According to a statement of facts filed in court, Patel was able to walk unassisted but became unsteady if he had to move even slightly.

“He had poor ability to understand instructions and had an indifferent attitude that escalated to being abusive to police,” the statement said.

Police believe the suspect was under the influence. The police advised the suspect that it is a criminal offense to consume your own alcohol…while on a plane.”

According to the facts, Patel’s reactions were “largely aggressive and incoherent.”

The police went on to tell the suspect that they had contacted his wife and she would go to the airport to pick him up.

“Police explained that they would escort the suspect to the pick-up area with him until his wife arrived to make sure he left safely.”

Hardik Patel was arrested at Sydney Airport after the Air Canada crew reported that he had become aggressive shortly before AC33 landed from Vancouver. Stock image

Patel, from Rooty Hill in western Sydney, was reportedly not done with the nuisance.

“The defendant, while still verbally aggressive, eventually followed police directions and left for the waiting area at the front of the terminal.”

While in the holding area, the suspect kept asking the police why he had been arrested and was told that this had been explained earlier.

“The accused became more verbally aggressive and argumentative towards police officers, yelling and screaming and trying to engage with members of the public.”

According to the facts, the police then decided to arrest Patel for his drunkenness, “for his own safety and well-being and the well-being and safety of those around him.”

“The suspect continued his insults to police and yelling at members of the public.”

When Patel appeared in local Downing Center court on Monday, he pleaded guilty to a charge of indecent and disorderly conduct on an airplane.

Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson convicted Patel and fined him $750.

The Civil Aviation and Safety Authority states on its website that airline passengers are only allowed to consume alcohol during a flight that is provided by the cabin crew.

The Civil Aviation and Safety Authority states on its website that airline passengers may only consume alcohol provided by cabin crew during a flight. Stock image