A Ryanair steward on duty drank whiskey from the aircraft’s drinks trolley, and a small amount of wine, according to a court.
26-year-old Sam Thompson from Cheshunt in Hertfordshire was on a May flight from Poland to Stansted Airport when a witness saw him.
He admitted that he performed an aviation function as part of cabin crew, even though his ability to do so was severely impaired by alcohol.
His sentence is set for next month.
On Monday, Mr Thompson of Warrenfield Close was heard drinking Jack Daniels from a trolley, before taking a small amount of wine out of his pocket and “necking” the entire bottle.
This allegation concerns a flight on 18 May from Rzeszow, Poland to Stansted Airport.
Nishma Khan, the prosecutor, stated that police were called to the scene at 18:10 BST by the witness who saw him drinking whiskey. They then “proceded to film” him.
Officers took a breath sample from Mr Thompson at Stansted Airport in Essex. A reading of 50mcg alcohol per 100ml was recorded.
At Harlow police station, he gave a lower reading at 39mcg.
Ms Khan stated that the legal limit of alcohol is 9mcg per 100ml. This is lower than the legal limit to drive, 35mcg per 100ml.
Michael Carroll, a defence solicitor, stated that the defendant and alcohol were “not the best friends”.
Kristien Chafer, Magistrate, ordered the preparation of a pre-sentence investigation on the defendant. This report will include all sentencing options including custody.
Thompson was bailed until Thompson’s sentencing.
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