PS Owen, PC Bernard and Special Constable Julius Gudaitis

A routine flight from Tenerife to Gatwick on 13 March 2023 became the scene of a frightening mid-air emergency when a severely intoxicated passenger launched into a violent outburst, endangering his wife, fellow travellers and the cabin crew.

Thanks to the swift intervention of three off duty Sussex Police officers and a brave member of the public, the situation was brought under control before it could escalate into something far worse.

The disturbance began when a man consumed most of a litre bottle of rum he had purchased at duty free. As the alcohol took hold, he became increasingly aggressive, shouting at flight attendants and causing visible alarm among those on board.

Around two hours into the journey, matters escalated dramatically when he attacked his wife, dragging her by the hair across the aisle and forcing her into a seat. Passengers watched in shock as the assault unfolded.

Among them was PS Owen, a PC at the time, who immediately identified himself as a police officer and stepped in to protect the woman and reassure frightened passengers.

A member of the public quickly joined him, and with the captain's agreement, passengers were moved so the disruptive passenger could be relocated to the rear of the plane, away from others.

PS Owen was soon supported by PC Bernard, who was heavily pregnant at the time, and Special Constable Julius Gudaitis, who attempted to communicate with the man to calm him.

Despite their attempts at de-escalation, his behaviour only became more volatile. Cabin crew provided restraints, and together the team worked to subdue him safely in the confined space of the aircraft.

Over the next 90 minutes, the man repeatedly tried to headbutt those restraining him. On several occasions he struck PS Owen and SC Gudaitis, though thankfully neither suffered serious injury. His legs were eventually restrained using a child's seat harness, improvised to prevent him from kicking out.

As the situation grew increasingly tense, the captain considered diverting the flight to Lisbon. The officers on board assessed the risks carefully, weighing the safety of passengers, the likelihood of further escalation and the logistics of landing with a violent, restrained individual.

Confident they could contain the situation; they advised that the flight could continue safely to Gatwick.

Upon landing, officers were waiting on the ground to arrest the man immediately and escort him from the aircraft. Passengers, though clearly shaken, were unharmed thanks to their calm and decisive actions.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: “A police officer’s duty to protect the public does not end when they take off their uniform.

“The actions of these three officers demonstrate the dedication to public service that my colleagues deliver every single day, often unseen.

“Their quick-thinking and courage undoubtedly saved this victim from further harm, and ensured other passengers and crew were also protected.

“The brave member of the public and the cabin crew must also be commended for their roles in taking control of a clearly challenging situation.

“I am proud to have officers such as these serving in Sussex Police, representing the thousands of colleagues who do such outstanding work in our communities every day.”

Sussex Police Federation Chair Raffaele Cioffi said: “Thousands of feet in the air, in the tightest of spaces, these officers stepped toward danger when everyone else sought safety.

“Faced with a violent, unpredictable individual on a packed aircraft, they showed remarkable bravery, calmness and control in a situation that could easily have spiralled into panic.

“With nowhere to retreat and passengers’ lives depending on them, they put themselves directly in harm’s way to protect complete strangers. What they showed that day wasn’t just courage - it was selflessness, professionalism and true commitment to the Office of Constable.

“They are a credit to Sussex Police, to the Police Federation, and fully deserving of recognition.”