Drunk traveller who frightened passengers on Emirates Dubai to Birmingham flight and punched a TV screen avoids jail

.Rahees Iqbal had become angry at not being given four bottles of vodka

• .Birmingham court hears how other passengers were 'frightened'
• .After being moved, Iqbal banged head and punched a TV screen
• .Nineteen-year-old ordered to pay £200 compensation and £295 costs

By JOHN HUTCHINSON FOR MAILONLINE

Rahees Iqbal has avoided jail after spreading fear with his actions on an Emirates flight

A drunk passenger whose aggressive behaviour on an Emirates flight to Birmingham left those seated near him in fear has avoided a jail sentence.

Rahees Iqbal, who was with other family members travelling from Dubai to the UK, had become 'argumentative' when he had asked for four miniature bottles of vodka but was only given two shortly after take-off.

Crew were aware that 19-year-old Iqbal's behaviour was becoming worse during the flight on April 23. 

About four hours into the journey, cabin manager Roberta Helmy had told the defendant's younger brother he could not sit in the crew's jump seat and Iqbal had responded in a 'loud and aggressive' way.

When Miss Helmy made inquiries she discovered Iqbal had taken a bottle of vodka on to the plane with him and that his travelling companions had also been supplying him with drinks. 

As Miss Helmy was walking through the aircraft she could see that many of the passengers were looking towards the defendant and appeared concerned and frightened.

When she tried to speak to him about his behaviour he was abusive towards her and she feared he was going to throw a drink over her.

Iqbal was eventually persuaded to move to the back of the plane where he banged his head on the head-rest and punched out at the in-flight TV screen. 

Miss Helmy concluded that the defendant's behaviour was unacceptable and unruly. It was uncomfortable for the passengers and crew and she could see genuine fear among passengers nearby, the court was told

On landing police came on board and Iqbal struggled with officers before being arrested. 

Iqbal was told by chairman of the bench Peter Patel at Birmingham Magistrates Court that 'this episode was disgraceful to say the least.' 

Rahees Iqbal was travelling from Dubai to Birmingham when he became aggressive on the plane

He added: 'You were more of a nuisance but in a confined space with lots of people around it can be extremely frightening. 

'We take on board you are remorseful and sorry.' 

Iqbal, 19, of Lincoln Road, Chuckery, Walsall, who had previously admitted being drunk on an aircraft, using threatening words and behaviour and resisting arrest, was handed a 12-month community order and ordered to do 180 hours' unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation and £295 costs. 

Najeeb Ali, defending, said Iqbal, who was unemployed, was hoping to get a job with a parcel delivery firm. 'He was more of a nuisance than an actual danger. He accepts he was a foolish young man, added Ali.'

MailOnline Travel has contacted Emirates for comment, and is awaiting a response. 

On landing in Birmingham, Mr Iqbal struggled with officers before being arrested on the flight on April 23